James Madison Leaving Sun Belt Conference for American Conference in 2028
The unanimous vote follows JMU’s rise in the Sun Belt, including a College Football Playoff berth and multiple league titles across sports.
- On Monday, the James Madison University Board of Visitors voted unanimously to terminate the school's contract with the Sun Belt Conference and apply for membership in the American Conference, effective no later than July 1, 2028.
- The Dukes have maintained consistent success since their FBS transition, winning no fewer than eight games in a complete season and earning a 2025 College Football Playoff bid, fueling the move to a higher-profile league.
- New private funding from generous supporters and corporate partners will cover the undisclosed exit and entrance fees; James Madison University said the school will not fund these costs internally.
- Integrating 18 varsity sports into the American, the school will retain field hockey in the Mid-American Conference as the AAC incorporates the university's nationally recognized athletics portfolio.
- American Conference Commissioner Tim Pernetti welcomed the decision, stating the university represents "everything we value," while Sun Belt leadership continues to evaluate opportunities following the departure announcement.
57 Articles
57 Articles
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According to ESPN College GameDay’s Pete Thamel, James Madison University has been accepted into the American Conference. The Dukes were previously a part of the Sun Belt Conference, and the switch comes with a hefty exit fee. On Monday, JMU posted a formal response to its application for acceptance on the school’s official administration page.…
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