Can James Madison Football Continue Its Dominant Rise in the FBS?

I still remember the first time I watched James Madison University football take the field as an FBS program back in 2022. As someone who's followed college football for over two decades, I've seen countless programs transition between divisions, but there was something special about the Dukes from day one. That initial season wasn't just about surviving - it was about making a statement. And my goodness, what a statement they've made.

When I think about JMU's rapid ascent, I can't help but draw parallels to what former player KKD once expressed about returning to action after a long absence. He described that incredible feeling of making his first significant contribution: "I really felt that block. My celebration was wild. It is my first point as a High Speed Hitter and my first point after being out for a long time. It really felt good and I hope it continues." That raw emotion - the joy of breakthrough after struggle - perfectly captures JMU's entire FBS journey. They've been celebrating breakthrough after breakthrough, and like KKD, everyone associated with the program is hoping this success continues.

The numbers from their first two FBS seasons are frankly staggering. In 2022, they went 8-3 while playing a Sun Belt conference schedule, which included impressive victories over Appalachian State and Marshall. Last season, they improved to 11-2, winning their division and making a strong case for why they deserve more national recognition. Their offense averaged 34.7 points per game while their defense held opponents to just 19.2 points - statistics that would make any Power Five program envious. What's particularly impressive is their consistency despite the increasing difficulty of their schedule.

From my perspective as a former college football analyst, what makes JMU's rise so compelling isn't just the win-loss record. It's how they're winning games. They play with a confidence and swagger that you typically only see in established programs. Watching them dismantle Virginia 36-35 in last season's opener was a masterclass in resilience. Being down 35-24 in the fourth quarter against an ACC opponent would break most transitioning programs, but JMU fought back with the determination of a team that's been competing at this level for years.

The recruiting improvements have been noticeable too. While they're not yet pulling in four and five-star recruits consistently, they're winning battles for quality three-star athletes who fit their system perfectly. Last year's recruiting class ranked 87th nationally according to 247Sports - not earth-shattering on paper, but when you consider they were ranking around 120th before their FBS transition, that's significant progress. More importantly, they're developing these players better than nearly anyone in the Group of Five conferences.

Now comes the real test - sustaining this success. History hasn't been kind to most programs making the jump to FBS. Remember what happened to Georgia Southern after their initial success? Or Appalachian State's growing pains? The second and third years often prove more challenging as opponents have more film and understand your tendencies better. JMU will need to evolve strategically while maintaining the cultural foundation that brought them this initial success.

What gives me confidence about their continued rise is their coaching stability. Head coach Curt Cignetti has built something special there, and while bigger programs will certainly come calling, the administration has shown willingness to invest in keeping their staff competitive. The recent facility upgrades, including the $12 million renovation to Bridgeforth Stadium, demonstrate commitment that goes beyond just wanting to be competitive - they want to build a perennial contender.

The schedule this coming season presents both challenges and opportunities. Games against North Carolina and Memphis will test their mettle early, while conference matchups against Appalachian State and Coastal Carolina will determine whether they can maintain their Sun Belt dominance. I'm particularly interested to see how their revamped secondary handles these high-powered offenses after losing two starters to graduation.

Looking at the broader landscape of college football, JMU's timing might be perfect. With conference realignment creating more parity across the sport, and the expanded College Football Playoff offering more access to Group of Five teams, the Dukes could position themselves as the next Cincinnati or UCF - programs that used their G5 success as springboards to bigger conferences. Personally, I'd love to see them in the ACC mix within the next five years if they can maintain this trajectory.

The question remains whether they can handle heightened expectations. Last season, they played with that "nothing to lose" mentality that often fuels underdogs. This season, they'll have targets on their backs every week. How they manage that psychological shift will be as important as any X's and O's adjustments they make.

Financial considerations also can't be ignored. JMU's athletic budget has grown from approximately $45 million to $58 million since their FBS move, but they're still significantly behind the Power Five programs they aspire to compete with regularly. Creative scheduling, continued donor engagement, and smart recruiting will be essential to bridge that gap without compromising their academic mission or financial stability.

What I find most inspiring about JMU's story is how it challenges conventional wisdom about program building. In an era where many believe you need decades to establish a winning culture at the highest level, the Dukes are proving that with the right leadership, institutional commitment, and player development, rapid ascension is possible. They're writing their own playbook for FBS transition success.

As we look toward the upcoming season, I'm cautiously optimistic about their chances to not just maintain but build upon their recent success. The foundation appears solid, the culture is strong, and the momentum seems sustainable. While they'll certainly face new challenges and stiffer competition, something tells me we haven't seen the peak of James Madison football yet. Like KKD hoping his success would continue after that breakthrough moment, everyone in Harrisonburg is hoping this remarkable rise is just beginning.