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| James Madison Dukes football | |
|---|---|
| Name | James Madison Dukes football |
| Founded | 1972 |
| Stadium | Bridgeforth Stadium |
| Capacity | 24,877 |
| City | Harrisonburg, Virginia |
| Conference | Sun Belt Conference |
| Division | East |
| Coach | Bob Chesney |
| Fight song | "The Madison Fight Song" |
| Mascot | Duke Dog |
| Rivalries | Delaware, William & Mary |
| National titles | 2 (FCS: 2004, 2016) |
| Conference titles | 11 |
| Bowl record | 1–0 |
James Madison Dukes football represents James Madison University in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). The program began play in 1972 and has since developed into a nationally competitive team, winning multiple national championships at the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level. Competing in the Sun Belt Conference since 2022, the Dukes play their home games at the expanded Bridgeforth Stadium on the university's campus in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
The program was established in 1972 under inaugural head coach Challace McMillin, playing its first game against the Apprentice School at Godwin Hall. The Dukes initially competed as an independent before joining the NCAA Division III ranks and later moving to NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS). A transformative era began with the hiring of coach Mickey Matthews in 1999, who led the team to its first FCS national championship in 2004 with a victory over Montana. The program achieved sustained success under coach Mike Houston, capturing a second national title in 2016 against the Youngstown State Penguins. After a successful FCS tenure, the university accepted an invitation to transition to the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and the Sun Belt Conference, beginning full conference play in 2022.
* Independent (1972–1976) * NCAA Division III Independent (1977–1978) * NCAA Division I-AA Independent (1979–1992) * Yankee Conference (1993–1996) * Atlantic 10 Conference (1997–2006) * Colonial Athletic Association (2007–2021) * Sun Belt Conference (2022–present)
The Dukes have won two FCS national championships (2004, 2016). They have also secured 11 conference championships, including five in the Colonial Athletic Association (2008, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019) and three in the Atlantic 10 Conference (1999, 2004, 2005). The team's 2016 championship season culminated in a win at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
In their first season of full FBS eligibility in 2023, the Dukes were invited to and won the 2023 Armed Forces Bowl, defeating the Air Force Falcons. This victory, played at Amon G. Carter Stadium on the campus of Texas Christian University, marked the program's inaugural bowl appearance and win.
The Dukes maintain a primary rivalry with the Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens, a series dating to the 1980s that intensified with both programs in the Colonial Athletic Association. Another significant, long-standing rivalry exists with the William & Mary Tribe, often contested for the "Capital Cup." Additional notable opponents have included the Richmond Spiders and the Villanova Wildcats.
Notable alumni include quarterback Ben DiNucci, who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Denver Broncos; defensive end Arthur Moats, a veteran of the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers; and linebacker Akeem Jordan, who played for the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs. Standout FCS performers include quarterback Bryan Schor, the 2016 Walter Payton Award finalist, and safety Rashad Robinson, a key member of the 2016 championship team.
* Challace McMillin (1972–1984) * Joe Purzycki (1985–1990) * Rip Scherer (1991–1994) * Alex Wood (1995–1998) * Mickey Matthews (1999–2013) * Everett Withers (2014–2015) * Mike Houston (2016–2018) * Curt Cignetti (2019–2023) * Bob Chesney (2024–present)