James Madison is having another huge year, currently sitting at 11-1 heading into conference championship weekend. JMU will play in Friday night's Sun Belt conference title game for the first time in school history, set to face the Troy Trojans.
The Dukes have a chance to reach 12 wins for the first time since moving to the FBS in 2022. Regardless of what happens against the Trojans, 2025 will be JMU's best finish since going 11-2 in 2023.
JMU checked in ranked 25th in the second-to-last CFP rankings. Let's take a look at the Dukes' CFP scenarios before the committee's final rankings come out on Sunday.
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Is James Madison in the College Football Playoff?
The No. 25 Dukes check in behind two other non-power teams in North Texas (No. 24) and Tulane (No. 20). Both of those teams will meet during Friday night's AAC title game, with the winner likely earning a bid in the 12-team field.
But there is a way for JMU to sneak into the playoff in 2025, and it largely hinges on what happens in the ACC. But before that happens, JMU has to win its conference title game.
JMU wins Sun Belt Championship Game
- With a win over Troy by itself, that might not be enough for JMU to earn a bid, with both AAC teams ranking ahead of the Dukes.
- But if the 7-5 Duke Blue Devils defeat Virginia in the AAC title game, that could open the door for a JMU bid
- The big question is if the committee puts in a 12-1 JMU team over a 10-2 non-ACC Champion Miami team.
According to ESPN's playoff predictor, JMU currently has a 51% chance of making the playoff. Per According to The Athletic's playoff model, JMU would have an 85% chance to make the 12-team field with a Blue Devil victory over Virginia.
JMU loses Sun Belt Championship Game
- With a loss, JMU is out of the playoff, even with Duke prevailing in the ACC title game
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