James Madison Joins American Conference

James Madison University is leaving the Sun Belt Conference after being accepted into the American Conference, with the Dukes set to become full members no later than July 1, 2028.

The university announced Monday that its Board of Visitors unanimously approved pursuing membership in the American Conference. Following JMU’s application, the conference unanimously voted to accept the university.

According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, James Madison will pay a $23M entrance fee to join the American Conference, along with an expected $5M departure fee to leave the Sun Belt.

The combined $28M will be funded entirely through privately raised money rather than using university funds.

James Madison President James Schmidt expressed excitement about the university’s future in the American Conference on Monday.

“We are honored that our request for membership in the American Conference has been accepted. I am grateful to Commissioner Tim Pernetti and the conferences’ presidents and chancellors for their confidence in James Madison University,” Schmidt said in the university’s official announcement.

JMU Director of Athletics Matt Roan also emphasized the importance of this move.

“We’re ecstatic for James Madison to take the next step in our university’s growth by joining the American Conference,” Roan said.

James Madison has endured major success since announcing its move to the FBS level in 2022, including reaching the College Football Playoff in 2025.

Before joining the Sun Belt, James Madison was already one of the most successful programs at the FCS level, winning national championships in 2004 and 2016.

The Dukes also reached at least the FCS semifinals in four of their final five seasons before moving to the FBS.

The university has not announced an exact departure date from the Sun Belt, but it will officially join the American Conference no later than July 1, 2028.=

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