Photo: JMU Athletics
James Madison University (JMU) football is predicted to lead the Sun Belt Conference East Division this season, according to a poll by the league’s coaches. The Dukes received 11 out of 14 first-place votes, earning 94 points and the top spot in the division.
Other teams in the East division rankings are Georgia Southern, Appalachian State, Coastal Carolina, Old Dominion, Marshall, and Georgia State. Meanwhile, in the West Division, Louisiana and Texas State are the favorites, each getting six first-place votes. Louisiana leads the West with 86 points, followed by Texas State with 76.
JMU returns a strong team, bringing back 43 players who earned letters last year, including nine starters. Last season, they finished 9-4 overall, went 4-4 in conference games, and won their first-ever bowl game by beating the Boca Raton Bowl 27-17. The 2025 team has added 55 new players, including 31 transfers and 24 freshmen, with players coming from 20 different states and even one international player.
Several JMU players earned preseason honors. Right tackle Pat McMurtrie, running back George Pettaway, and safety Jacob Thomas made the First Team All-Sun Belt. On the Second Team were nickelback DJ Barksdale, quarterback Alonza Barnett III, defensive lineman Immanuel Bush, linebacker Trent Hendrick, and Pettaway again as an all-purpose player.
The preseason predictions were voted on by the league’s head coaches, while the all-conference teams were selected by coaches and media members.
Sun Belt Football Media Days start this week in New Orleans, with the West Division going first on July 22 and the East Division on July 23. Both will be streamed live on ESPN+.
JMU will kick off their 2025 season at home against Weber State on August 30, with the game starting at 6 p.m. on ESPN+.
SOURCE: Rocktown Now