From JMUsports.com
HARRISONBURG, Va. – The Sun Belt Conference and James Madison University announced on Wednesday, February 2 that the Dukes will compete as a conference member in all sports sponsored by the Sun Belt, including football, with an official transition date of July 1, 2022. The announcement comes following a November 6, 2021 statement that the move would occur no later than July 1, 2023.
JMU will compete in the Sun Belt starting July 1 in the sports of baseball, men's basketball, football, men's golf, men's tennis, women's basketball, cross country, women's golf, women's soccer, softball, women's tennis, track & field and volleyball. Conference membership arrangements for field hockey, lacrosse, men's soccer and swimming & diving are close to finalized and will be announced once complete.
"JMU is ecstatic to be joining the Sun Belt Conference, and it's a win-win for everyone involved that this transition will take place this July," JMU Director of Athletics Jeff Bourne said. "Each of our sports will be a great fit for the Sun Belt and bring value to the conference while also being positioned to be successful from day one. I'd like to thank Keith Gill, the rest of the Sun Belt staff, and the member institution presidents and athletic directors for their hard work to make this happen."
"We look forward to JMU competing as a full member of the Sun Belt Conference beginning July 1, 2022. I want to thank JMU President Jonathan Alger and Director of Athletics Jeff Bourne for positioning themselves so well to allow for such a quick transition. None of this could be possible without tremendous leadership and preparation," said SBC Commissioner Keith Gill. "I'd also like to thank our current member institution presidents and athletic directors for helping make this transition for JMU take place a year ahead of schedule. We certainly appreciate the collaborative process."
With Sun Belt football membership, combined with Tuesday's announcement of a Sept. 3 home non-conference game vs. Middle Tennessee, the Dukes fulfilled an NCAA requirement to face a minimum of five FBS opponents in their home stadium in order for JMU to be considered an FBS opponent [NCAA Article 20.9.9.2]. JMU will not be eligible for the Sun Belt football championship or a postseason bowl for the 2022 season as a reclassifying institution but will enjoy full membership privileges in all other aspects, including the ESPN media package.
James Madison will be the first institution to host five FBS opponents in the first year of its FBS transition since the NCAA implemented the two-year transition process for reclassifying institutions in 1997. Every reclassifying institution since 1997 has met Article 20.9.9.2 in year two of its transition.
"We believe that JMU is uniquely situated for a successful transition to playing FBS football," Bourne said. "Given the overall strength of our program and the attractiveness of the move to the Sun Belt, we did not feel it was in our best interest to construct a gradual transition. The opportunity to play a full FBS schedule as a member of the Sun Belt, including five FBS programs visiting Bridgeforth Stadium, is a significant step forward for our program and our university."
The confirmation that JMU would reach the criteria for five home FBS games clinched the ability to be a full member of the Sun Belt in football in 2022. The Dukes will play four home and four road contests against Sun Belt opponents. The exact breakdown of opponents, dates, times and ESPN broadcast schedule will be announced at a later date by the Sun Belt.
As of Wednesday's announcement, the Sun Belt's membership on July 1 will include App State, Arkansas State, Coastal Carolina, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, James Madison, Louisiana, ULM, South Alabama, Texas State and Troy.
The 2022 JMU football season is presented by Carmax. Season tickets for JMU's inaugural campaign of its FBS transition are on sale now both for renewals and new season ticket purchasers with a May 15 priority deadline. Season tickets offer the best seat options and value for patrons and include one complimentary parking pass. Parking can be upgraded by donating to the JMU Duke Club. Premium seating options are available in the club level and include hospitality and other amenities. The JMU Dining Services Family Plan offers an affordable option for families to purchase four season tickets with parking and concession vouchers for $432. JMU uses electronic ticketing, which allows guests to manage and share tickets easily from any connected device.
JMU went 12-2 in its final FCS season, reaching the national semifinals for the fifth time in the last six years. The Dukes are 33-5 in three seasons under Head Coach Curt Cignetti.
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