James Madison Dukes

NCAAF – Sun Belt

James Madison Dukes

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The James Madison Dukes are a National Collegiate Athletic Association Football Championship (NCAAF) team representing James Madison University (JMU) in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

The Dukes compete in the Sun Belt Conference since 2022 Before that movement they had established themselves as one of the most successful programs in FCS history. With a passionate fan base and a strong winning tradition, the James Madison Dukes continue to make their mark on the college football landscape.

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The James Madison Dukes have maintained a strong presence in collegiate athletics, consistently demonstrating their prowess on the field. Known for their exceptional performances, the Dukes have established an impressive legacy within their respective conferences.

With a roster of talented athletes and a dedicated coaching staff, the team has consistently competed at a high level, consistently finding themselves in contention for conference championships and postseason appearances.

The James Madison Dukes have proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with, displaying a relentless spirit and a commitment to excellence that has earned them the respect of fans and opponents alike. Their dedication and hard work have undoubtedly solidified their place among the elite programs in college sports.

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James Madison Dukes Team History

The James Madison Dukes football program was established in 1972, and since then, they have experienced a steady rise to prominence in the college football world. After initially competing as an independent, the Dukes joined the CAA in 1993 and have been a dominant force in the conference ever since before joining the Sun Belt Conference on 2022.

Throughout their history, the Dukes have appeared in the FCS playoffs multiple times, clinching two national championships and numerous conference titles.

Team Key Stats

• Overall Win-Loss Record (1972-2021): 348-217-0 (.616)
• FCS Playoff Appearances: 18
• Conference Championships: 8
• National Championships: 2
• Bowl Game Appearances: 1
• All-time Winning Percentage: .616

Championships Won

The James Madison Dukes have won two national championships in their storied history:

2004 FCS National Championship: The Dukes, under head coach Mickey Matthews, won their first national title by defeating the University of Montana Grizzlies 31-21. The team finished the season with a 13-2 record.

2016 FCS National Championship: Led by head coach Mike Houston, the Dukes captured their second national championship by defeating the Youngstown State Penguins 28-14.

Important Team Events

1999 First FCS Playoff Appearance: The Dukes made their first-ever appearance in the FCS playoffs, signifying their rise as a competitive program in the FCS.
2008 ESPN College GameDay Visit: ESPN’s College GameDay, the popular pre-game show, visited the JMU campus for the first time in 2008, highlighting the Dukes’ success on a national stage.
2015 FCS Playoff Upset: In the 2015 FCS playoffs, the Dukes pulled off a major upset by defeating the five-time defending national champions, the North Dakota State Bison, in the semifinals.

Top Players in College History

• Charles Haley (1982-1985): A standout defensive end, Haley went on to have an illustrious NFL career, winning five Super Bowl championships and being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
• Gary Clark (1980-1983): A wide receiver for the Dukes, Clark became a four-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time Super Bowl champion during his NFL career with the Washington Redskins.
• Vad Lee (2014-2015): As a dual-threat quarterback, Lee amassed over 7,000 total yards and 69 touchdowns during his two seasons with the Dukes, earning him numerous accolades, including CAA Offensive Player of the Year.
• Ron’Dell Carter (2016-2019): A dominant defensive lineman, Carter was a two-time All-American and CAA Defensive Player of the Year, helping the Dukes secure their second national championship in 2016.

Top Coaches in College History

• Mickey Matthews (1999-2013): As the longest-serving head coach in JMU history, Matthews led the Dukes to their first national championship in 2004 and multiple FCS playoff appearances. Under Matthews’ guidance, the Dukes achieved a record of 109-71, making him the winningest coach in the program’s history
• Mike Houston (2016-2018): Houston had a significant impact on the Dukes’ program in his short tenure, guiding them to their second national championship in 2016 and a national runner-up finish in 2017. He left the program with an impressive 37-6 record.
• Curt Cignetti (2019-Present): Cignetti took over the reins from Houston and has continued the Dukes’ winning tradition, leading the team to multiple playoff appearances and maintaining their status as one of the top FCS programs in the nation.

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James Madison Dukes FAQs

When was the James Madison Dukes football program established?

The James Madison Dukes football program was established in 1972.

Which conference do the James Madison Dukes compete in?

The Dukes compete in the Sun Belt Conference since 2022.

How many FCS playoff appearances have the Dukes made?

The Dukes have made 18 appearances in the FCS playoffs.

What was the Dukes’ most significant upset in the FCS playoffs?

In the 2015 FCS playoffs, the Dukes pulled off a major upset by defeating the five-time defending national champions, the North Dakota State Bison, in the semifinals.

Who is the current head coach of the James Madison Dukes?

Curt Cignetti is the current head coach of the James Madison Dukes.