James Madison Dukes 2026 Preview
James Madison went 12-2 (8-0 in the Sun Belt). Here is what changed on the roster, the full 2026 schedule, and where they rank going into the season.
What changed for James Madison in 2026
- New head coach in Billy Napier (Florida Head Coach)
- New offensive coordinator in Cam Aiken (East Tennessee State Offensive Coordinator) and defensive coordinator in Robert Bala (Florida Co-Defensive Coordinator & ILB Coach)
- One offensive starter from last season returns (offensive lineman)
- Starting QB from last season is gone. There is a QB battle for the starting job between returner Camden Coleman (DNP In 2025; 2,031 yards, 14 TDs, 5 INTs in 2024 with Richmond) and Memphis transfer Arrington Maiden (59 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs)
- Returner George Pettaway (195 yards, 0 TDs) and Drake transfer Nick Herman (1,034 yards, 6 TDs) are expected to split carries
- Expected starters at WR include returner Braeden Wisloski (358 yards, 4 TDs), East Tennessee State transfer Jeremiah Harrison (652 yards, 5 TDs), and West Florida transfer Corey Scott (1,018 yards, 4 TDs)
- Returning two starters on defense, with their top returner being LB Gannon Weathersby (54 tackles). Six transfers are expected to start, including Nevada transfer LB Nakian Jackson (53 tackles) and Findlay transfer Jayon Harvey (51 tackles, 3 INTs)
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Fact checking by Brady Kommes; cover art by Pace Maier.
James Madison Dukes 2026 schedule
| Game | Opponent | Site |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liberty | Home |
| 2 | Wagner | Home |
| 3 | San Diego State | Away |
| 4 | Old Dominion | Away |
| 5 | Marshall | Home |
| 6 | Georgia Southern | Away |
| 7 | Georgia State | Home |
| 8 | Appalachian State | Away |
| 9 | Troy | Home |
| 10 | Southern Miss | Away |
| 11 | UConn | Away |
| 12 | Coastal Carolina | Home |
Get the printable James Madison Dukes 2026 schedule with kickoff times and TV, sized for one page.
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James Madison Dukes betting FAQ
James Madison Dukes play 12 games in 2026, 6 at home. They open against Liberty. The full schedule is listed on this page.
James Madison is outside Kyle Kommes's preseason Top 25 for 2026.
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