James Madison University will leave the Sun Belt Conference and join the American Conference no later than July 1, 2028.
The Dukes voted to terminate their Sun Belt agreement and accept the American's invitation, according to the conference.
The American's Board of Directors unanimously approved JMU's full membership after a formal application and a comprehensive evaluation.
The review covered academic alignment, athletic competitiveness, institutional investment, financial sustainability, media value, fan engagement and geographic fit.
The conference said its evaluation included a quantitative media-value study assessing market characteristics, audience performance, fan engagement and competitive results.
The league added that JMU's membership would expand its media inventory while enhancing distributions to existing members.
Commissioner Welcomes JMU as a Strong Match
American Conference Commissioner Tim Pernetti described the university as a strong match for the league's direction and membership priorities.
"The American Conference is a destination, and James Madison University represents everything we value and strengthens our membership," Pernetti said.
He said the Dukes have rapidly built a nationally recognized brand through innovation, investment, bold leadership and competitive success.
Pernetti also thanked the conference's presidents, chancellors and athletics directors for the collaborative work that led to a unanimous vote.
The conference cited JMU's reach across Virginia, Washington, D. C.
, and the Mid-Atlantic region, along with its competitive record and fan engagement.
It also pointed to the university's commitment to student-athlete development and a significant financial and commercial commitment to joining and investing alongside current members.
JMU joined the Football Bowl Subdivision as a Sun Belt member in 2022.
Its planned departure marks another conference transition for the program as it seeks a new home within a league that includes established football programs and institutions across several regions.
On the field, James Madison recorded a 12-2 record in 2025 and reached the College Football Playoff under former head coach Bob Chesney, according to a report published by College Sports Wire on October 12, 2026.
The Dukes were eliminated by the Oregon Ducks in the first round of the postseason.
The American Conference's full membership includes Alabama-Birmingham, Charlotte, East Carolina, Florida Atlantic, Memphis, North Texas, Rice, South Florida, Temple, Texas-San Antonio, Tulane, Tulsa and Wichita State.
Army and Navy also participate in the conference for football, while Wichita State sponsors basketball and Olympic sports but does not field a football team.
College Sports Wire also reported that Miami (OH) was considering a potential move to the American Conference.
The report did not establish that the university had made a decision or received an invitation.
