James Madison University (JMU) football has announced a pair of high‑profile matchups that will shape the next phase of its schedule. A game set for 2028 will take place in Charlottesville, Virginia, while a rescheduled contest against the University of North Carolina will serve as the 2031 season opener.
Historical dominance
The Dukes have a storied history against both opponents. JMU is 2‑2 all‑time versus Virginia, with their most recent victory coming in 2023 when a game‑winning touchdown in the final seconds sealed a 28‑24 win. In 2024, the team posted a 70‑50 triumph over North Carolina that set multiple program records, extending their series lead to 3‑1.
Future schedule
The 2026 season will open at home against Liberty on September 5, a game that will be followed by three consecutive Thursday night contests whose kickoff times and TV partners will be revealed shortly by the Sun Belt Conference and ESPN. The 2028 Charlottesville matchup and the 2031 Tar Heels opener are already generating buzz among fans and analysts alike.
Both games will be broadcast under the umbrella of the Sun Belt Conference’s media partnership with ESPN, ensuring national visibility for JMU’s upcoming campaigns. Details on game times, venues and broadcast networks are expected in the coming weeks.