Image courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications

By Bennett Conlin

In 2023, JMU played a number of intriguing nonconference games. The Dukes most notably played against UVA (and won) for the first time in 40 years.

But what happens in 2024 when the College Football Playoff expands? Is JMU’s schedule challenging enough for the Dukes to make a run at the CFP?

Here’s a look at JMU’s future nonconference games already on the books in 2024 and beyond.

2024

Aug. 31 at Charlotte

Sept. 7 vs. Gardner-Webb

Sept. 21 at North Carolina

Sept. 28 vs. Ball State

A pair of road games in North Carolina make for a relatively easy travel schedule. UNC should be decent in 2024, but there’s a good chance the Dukes can hold their own in that contest against an ACC foe.

A road game at Charlotte to open the season gives JMU a chance to take down an AAC squad before September arrives.

2025

Aug. 30 vs. Tennessee Tech

Sept. 6 at Louisville

Sept. 13 vs. Utah State

Sept. 20 at Liberty

A road matchup at Louisville gives the Dukes an early season chance at a Power Five win. The game at Liberty should spark plenty of interest within the state.

2026

Sept. 5 vs. Liberty

Sept. 12 vs. Wagner

Sept. 26 at Virginia Tech

Nov. 14 at UConn

The Virginia Tech game headlines the 2026 nonconference schedule, with this game being pushed back after being previously scheduled for 2025. The last time the two teams met (2010) JMU defeated the Hokies 21-16 in Blacksburg. Can JMU beat the Hokies two times in a row?

The early season game against the Flames makes for yet another fun in-state clash. Traveling to UConn in November could be a tricky (and cold) contest.

2027

Sept. 4 at Maryland

Sept. 18 at Delaware

The Dukes will face the regional Big Ten foe early in their 2027 campaign.

2028

Sept. 9 vs. Delaware

Sept. 16 at Miami (OH)

Sept. 23 at North Carolina

Dates with Group of Five teams come before another showdown with the Tar Heels.

2029

Sept. 8 at UCF

Sept. 15 at Akron

Sept. 22 vs. Charlotte

The matchup with UCF should excite JMU fans, even though it’s quite a few years away. The Knights have an impressive program dedicated to sustained football success.

2030

Sept. 14 vs. Akron

Sept. 21 vs. Norfolk State

Plenty of time to add a big-name opponent to the 2030 schedule.

2031

Sept. 6 vs. Liberty

Sept. 13 at Delaware

Sept. 20 vs. Miami Ohio

The Dukes have an early season home battle with Liberty. After visiting Delaware, the Dukes match up with MAC’s Miami Ohio again after their 2028 meeting.

2032

Sept. 11 at Liberty

Sept. 18 vs. Delaware

The Blue Hens and Dukes complete a four-game agreement in 2032. JMU visits Liberty a week before that game.

2033

Sept. 17 vs. Liberty

We’ll see how these two Virginia programs look in a decade.

2034

Sept. 16 at Liberty