James Madison to leave Sun Belt for American Conference by 2028

James Madison University is leaving the Sun Belt Conference for the American Conference, marking another major step in the Dukes' rise.

JMU has been accepted for admission into the American following a formal application and a unanimous vote by the conference's presidents and chancellors. The university will become a full league member no later than July 1, 2028. This brings an end to its tenure in the Sun Belt, where it has competed since 2022.

The American evaluated JMU across several areas, including academic alignment, athletic competitiveness, institutional investment, financial sustainability, media value, fan engagement and geographic fit, according to a press release by the University.

JMU officials believe the move offers greater opportunities for athletic growth, national exposure and connections with alumni across the conference's footprint.

"The American Conference is the right home for James Madison University, academically, competitively, and geographically," said Dave Rexrode, rector of JMU's Board of Visitors.

JMU joins a conference featuring programs such as Memphis, Tulane, East Carolina, South Florida, Charlotte and Rice. The American also includes Army and Navy in football, creating a new competitive landscape for the Dukes.

The move comes after a successful stretch in the Sun Belt. Since joining the conference, JMU has won championships in football, men's and women's basketball, volleyball, women's soccer, and swimming and diving. The football program has also reached the national spotlight following its participation in the 2025 College Football Playoff.

JMU already has ties to the AAC through affiliate membership in lacrosse, where the Dukes have won the conference championship in each of the last two seasons. Swimming and diving also joined as an affiliate member last year.

The transition will place 17 of JMU's 18 varsity sports under the American's umbrella, with field hockey remaining in the Mid-American Conference. This move is a new chapter in JMU's ambitions for sustained athletic success with a bigger conference.