usatoday
James Madison has quietly become one of the most well-run programs in college football, even if it's often recognized mainly for producing coaches like Curt Cignetti and Bob Chesney. The Dukes have built a reputation for winning, and they're now aiming for a second consecutive College Football Playoff appearance, though the road is far from easy.
Since transitioning to the Bowl Subdivision, James Madison has qualified for a bowl game in every eligible season, aside from a one-year ban for new FBS teams. This season, they have a strong chance to win out, but external factors—namely Boise State's presence in the Pac-12—could keep them out of the playoff. Still, the Dukes have proven they are a force to be reckoned with.
The program's rise isn't slowing down. By the summer of 2028, James Madison will move from the Sun Belt to the American Conference, a league that consistently ranks as the strongest among the Group of Six. Combined with the expected expansion of the College Football Playoff to 24 teams, this move should only bolster the Dukes' resume when the selection committee evaluates teams.
Key Analysis
So how did James Madison become a Group of Six juggernaut? The foundation was laid by Curt Cignetti, who took over in 2019 and led the Dukes to the FCS championship game in his first season and the semifinals in each of the next two. When James Madison jumped to the Sun Belt, Cignetti guided them to an 8-3 record in his first year, though they were ineligible for a bowl due to transition rules. The following season, they went 11-2 before Cignetti left for Indiana. His overall record at James Madison was 52-10, including 33-5 in FCS play and 19-5 in FBS play.
Bob Chesney arrived from Holy Cross and proved to be a perfect fit. Despite a challenging first year in the Sun Belt, where he went 4-4 in conference and 9-4 overall, Chesney rebounded to lead the Dukes to a Boca Raton Bowl victory over Western Kentucky. Last season, James Madison snuck into the College Football Playoff with a 12-1 record before falling to Oregon in the first round. Chesney's record with the Dukes stands at 13-6, including 12-4 in Sun Belt play.
This season, James Madison's path to the playoff is blocked by Boise State, which is currently in the driver's seat for the Group of Six's automatic bid. The Broncos have impressed with a win over Western Michigan and a close game against Oregon. However, if Boise State stumbles—or loses the Pac-12 championship game—the Dukes' prospects could heat up. James Madison is making a strong push and, like last year, cannot be ruled out of the conversation.
Looking ahead, the move to the American Conference will pit the Dukes against consistently strong competition, with teams like UTSA, North Texas, Army, Memphis, and Tulane—even in a down year—providing opportunities to bolster their resume. Additionally, the expected CFP expansion will create more at-large bids, further aiding James Madison's chances.
Another factor is the coaching situation. Billy Napier, after a solid stint at Louisiana-Lafayette and struggles at Florida, is off to a scorching 7-0 start with the Dukes. However, his tenure at Florida may make other teams wary, potentially giving him a longer prove-it period at James Madison. Regardless, the program's track record suggests they will continue to win, with someone always waiting in the wings. All the Dukes have to do is keep winning.
Originally reported by usatoday.