JMU Announces Full 2026 Football Schedule

Dukes face challenging slate with familiar rivals and new matchups

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:04am

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James Madison University has unveiled its complete 2026 football schedule, featuring a mix of longtime rivalries and first-time matchups within the competitive Sun Belt Conference. The 12-game slate promises an exciting season for the Dukes, including a highly anticipated 'Battle of the Blue Ridge' against Liberty and a road trip to face Pac-12 opponent San Diego State.

Why it matters

JMU's move to the Sun Belt Conference in 2022 signifies the university's commitment to competing at the highest level of college football. The 2026 schedule showcases the Dukes' evolving conference landscape and their ability to attract marquee non-conference opponents, further elevating the program's national profile.

The details

The season kicks off with the 'Battle of the Blue Ridge' against Liberty on September 5th, where JMU currently leads the series 13-6. The Dukes will also face Old Dominion in the TowneBank Royal Rivalry Challenge on September 26th, a series they have dominated 4-0 since joining the Sun Belt. A road trip to San Diego State on September 19th will mark the first-ever meeting between the two programs. Other key matchups include a home game against Marshall on October 3rd and three consecutive Thursday night Sun Belt games against App State, Troy, and Southern Miss in late October and early November.

  • The season kicks off on September 5th with the 'Battle of the Blue Ridge' against Liberty.
  • JMU will face Old Dominion in the TowneBank Royal Rivalry Challenge on September 26th.
  • The Dukes will travel to San Diego State on September 19th for their first-ever meeting.
  • JMU will host Marshall on October 3rd, the fifth all-time meeting between the two teams.
  • The Dukes will play three consecutive Thursday night Sun Belt games in late October and early November.

The players

James Madison University

A public research university located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, that competes in the Sun Belt Conference for football.

Liberty University

A private evangelical Christian university in Lynchburg, Virginia, and JMU's longtime rival in the 'Battle of the Blue Ridge' football game.

Old Dominion University

A public research university in Norfolk, Virginia, and JMU's opponent in the TowneBank Royal Rivalry Challenge.

San Diego State University

A public research university in San Diego, California, and JMU's first-time opponent in 2026.

Marshall University

A public research university in Huntington, West Virginia, and JMU's upcoming football opponent.

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What they’re saying

“The 2026 schedule features a mix of familiar rivals and new challenges, which is exactly what our fans and student-athletes want to see. We're excited to showcase JMU football on the national stage.”

— Jeff Bourne, Director of Athletics, James Madison University

What’s next

Season ticket renewals are currently underway, with a priority deadline of May 15th. Game times for the first three non-conference games and the three Thursday night Sun Belt matchups will be announced by ESPN in late May. Remaining kickoff times will be released by the Sun Belt and ESPN 12 days prior to each game.

The takeaway

JMU's 2026 football schedule highlights the university's commitment to competing at the highest level of college football since joining the Sun Belt Conference in 2022. The mix of longtime rivalries and new marquee matchups, including a Pac-12 opponent, will provide an exciting and challenging season for the Dukes as they continue to elevate their national profile.