James Madison Dukes Football

The James Madison Dukes football program, representing James Madison University, competes in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) within the Sun Belt Conference (SBC). Their entry into the SBC commenced in the 2022 season, marking a significant phase in their conference affiliation. Since its inception in 1972, the Dukes have played a pivotal role in the university's athletic landscape. Notable successes, including national championships in 2004 and 2016, under former head coach Mickey Matthews, have propelled the team to national prominence. The program's roster boasts distinguished alumni such as Charles Haley, Scott Norwood, Gary Clark, Arthur Moats, and Aaron Stinnie, showcasing their impact and contributions to both college and professional football.

James Madison Dukes Football Introduction

The James Madison Dukes football program represents James Madison University in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) competition, aligning with the Sun Belt Conference (SBC) since the 2022 season. Originating in 1972, the university's football team thrives at Bridgeforth Stadium, situated on the Harrisonburg, Virginia campus. Guided by current head coach Curt Cignetti, the Dukes have been pivotal in JMU's athletic landscape, notably under former coach Mickey Matthews. Achieving national recognition, the team secured the FCS National Championships in 2004 and 2016 while finishing as runners-up in 2017 and 2019. Notable Dukes who've excelled professionally include Charles Haley, a five-time Super Bowl champion and College Football Hall of Fame inductee, Scott Norwood of the Buffalo Bills, Gary Clark, renowned for his tenure with the Washington Commanders, Arthur Moats, celebrated for his impactful NFL career, and Aaron Stinnie, an offensive guard and Super Bowl champion with the 2021 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

James Madison Dukes Football History

The James Madison Dukes Football program commenced just five years after Madison College became coeducational. Dr. Ronald Carrier, the institution's president, introduced football to alter the campus psychology, previously centered on an all-women's teachers college. Led by coach Challace McMillin, the team's inaugural game occurred on October 7, 1972, against Shepherd College's junior varsity team. The Dukes achieved their first undefeated season in 1975, securing the Virginia College Athletic Association title. Transitioning from NCAA Division III to Division I-AA in 1980, they later joined the Yankee Conference in 1992, evolving into the Atlantic 10 Conference by 1997 and finally settling in CAA Football in 2007.

Under Mickey Matthews' coaching from 1999 to 2013, the Dukes saw significant successes. In 2004, they clinched the Division I-AA National Championship, making history by winning three away games to reach the finals. Despite playoff appearances in 2006 and 2007, the team experienced early exits. Notably, in 2008, a 10-1 season earned them a top seed in the playoffs, though they succumbed to the Montana Grizzlies in the semi-final after quarterback Rodney Landers suffered an injury. The team's triumph against then #13 FBS-ranked Virginia Tech in 2010 marked a significant moment.

A pivotal milestone was Matthews' 100th career victory in a 13–10 win over Towson Tigers in October 2012. The program underwent a $62 million stadium expansion in 2011, enhancing Bridgeforth Stadium's capacity to approximately 24,877 with provisions for further expansion.

Following a 6–6 season in 2013 and missing the FCS playoffs, Mickey Matthews departed after a 15-year coaching stint, leaving an indelible mark on the James Madison Dukes' football history.

James Madison Dukes Football Coach

Curt Cignetti, born June 2, 1961, has led James Madison Dukes football since 2019, showcasing a storied coaching career. A former member of Nick Saban's Alabama staff, Cignetti, a West Virginia University alum, began coaching at Pittsburgh. His tenure saw notable improvement with JMU, reaching the 2020 National Championship and securing two Conference Championships in 2021's dual seasons. Under his guidance, the team boasted a 19–3 record in 2021 and announced a move to the Sun Belt Conference for Fall '22.

James Madison Dukes Football Stadium: Bridgeforth Stadium

Bridgeforth Stadium, situated on the grounds of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, serves as the home turf for the James Madison Dukes football team. Named Zane Showker Field, the stadium boasts a seating capacity of 24,877, ranking as the 12th largest stadium within the Sun Belt Conference. Initially known as Madison Stadium, upon its construction in 1975, the venue accommodated around 5,200 spectators and was designed as a multipurpose facility, hosting various sporting events like football, track and field, lacrosse, and field hockey. Over time, the stadium underwent significant transformations. Renamed JMU Stadium in 1981 after an expansion increased its capacity to over 12,000, it was further renamed in 1990 as Bridgeforth Stadium in honor of William E. Bridgeforth, a former member of the JMU Board of Visitors. In 2003, the field was named after JMU benefactor Zane Showker. The stadium witnessed substantial renovations, including the addition of a more giant video scoreboard, 17 suites, a club lounge with chairback seating, and increased lighting, culminating in a $90 million investment that completed the Bridgeforth Stadium and Zane Showker Field complex. Notable games in the stadium's history include victories over prominent opponents like the University of Delaware, Appalachian State, Wofford, and Villanova in playoff rounds and a historic win against the top-ranked William and Mary in 2010. The stadium's expansion and renovations concluded in August 2011, showcasing its enhanced seating capacity and modernized facilities, and hosted its inaugural game, witnessing the Dukes triumph against Central Connecticut State University in front of a sellout crowd of 25,102 fans. Bridgeforth Stadium stands as a testament to the evolution and significance of James Madison Dukes football.

James Madison Dukes Football Rivals

The James Madison Dukes Football program shares a notable rivalry with its in-state counterpart, Old Dominion Monarchs, known as the "Royal Rivalry." Commencing officially on October 26, 2022, this rivalry is a significant component within the Sun Belt Conference, pitting the Virginia-based schools against each other. The competition extends beyond football, encompassing various sports, vying for an all-sports trophy that pays homage to the royal connotations embedded in both schools' mascots. The football history between James Madison University and Old Dominion University stands at a balanced 2-2 in their all-time series. In the most recent encounter on October 28, 2023, JMU emerged victorious with a score of 30-27, adding another chapter to this compelling rivalry.

H2- James Madison Dukes Football Record and stats

The records for the James Madison Dukes football program encompass a wide array of categories, showcasing the remarkable achievements of players throughout the team's history. Covering passing, rushing, receiving, total offense, defensive statistics, and kicking, these records highlight exceptional individual performances. Notably, the lists are dominated by recent players due to specific factors. Until the 2002 season, the NCAA did not count I-AA/FCS playoff games towards official season statistics. Consequently, from 2002 through their final FCS season in 2021, the Dukes' 13 appearances in the playoffs provided opportunities for recent players to amass additional statistics. This emphasis on current players within the records underscores the impact of postseason opportunities on updated statistical milestones for the James Madison Dukes football program.

Conference championships

Division championships

James Madison Dukes Football Roster

The James Madison Dukes Football team boasts a formidable roster across offense and defense. Leading the offense are quarterbacks Billy Atkins, Alonza Barnett III, Brett Griffis, Blake Kendall, and the standout senior Jordan McCloud from Tampa, FL. In the running back position, the team showcases talent with Ke'Marion Baldwin, Kaelon Black, Kalin Jean, Ty Son Lawton, and Sammy Malignaggi, each bringing their unique skill sets to the field. On the defensive front, the team exhibits strength and depth with players like Carter Banks, Payne Bauer, Immanuel Bush, Greyson Cadd, James Carpenter, Darold DeNgohe, Jalen Green, Sean Johns, Mikail Kamara, and Jamree Kromah. These players, across different classes and hometowns, contribute their expertise and determination, forming a well-rounded and competitive squad for the James Madison Dukes.

James Madison Dukes Football Schedule

The James Madison Dukes Football team had an impressive season, securing an 11-1 record overall. They kicked off the season with a dominating victory against Bucknell with a score of W38-3, followed by a thrilling win against Virginia with a close score of W36-35. The team continued their winning streak with victories against Troy (W16-14), Utah State (W45-38), South Alabama (W31-23), Georgia Southern (W41-13), Marshall (W20-9), Old Dominion (W30-27), Georgia State (W42-14), and UConn (W44-6). However, their unbeaten run came to an end in a close overtime loss against Appalachian State with a score of L26-23. Despite this setback, they finished the regular season strong with a resounding win against Coastal Carolina, ending the season 11-1. Throughout the season, their offense, led by standout performances from McCloud, Lawton, Black, Sarratt, and Brown, consistently demonstrated their prowess, setting a remarkable tone for the team's success.