Image courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications

By Bennett Conlin

JMU football’s request for postseason eligibility was denied by the NCAA on Wednesday, ESPN’s Pete Thamel first reported. JMU confirmed the news in a statement.

“We’re obviously disappointed in the outcome of the NCAA’s review of our request for bowl relief,” JMU said in a statement on social media. “We’re saddened for our university community and, in particular, we’re devastated for our football program, the coaches, and student-athletes who have orchestrated an amazing season and earned the opportunity.”

What’s it mean?

JMU can still make a bowl game if there are not enough eligible teams to fill the 82 team slots across 41 bowl games. That seems likely, based on recent projections.

JMU can’t, however, play in a New Year’s Six Bowl game because the Dukes aren’t eligible for the College Football Playoff rankings. The Dukes also won’t play for the Sun Belt Championship, as the league has previously said it won’t allow an ineligible team to play for its league title.

The Dukes still have plenty to look forward to this season, including this weekend’s game with App State, which features a visit from ESPN’s College GameDay. JMU’s denied waiver figures to be a major topic of discussion on the show.

“As we turn the page, we have an incredible week lined up with College GameDay here and our final home game, so we’re focused on maximizing these moments for our university and celebrating our senior class,” JMU’s statement said.