JMU will compete in the College Football Playoff as the No. 12 seed, the CFP selection committee announced Sunday. The Dukes will face No. 5 Oregon in the opening round.

It’s the Dukes’ first appearance in the College Football Playoff. JMU joined the FBS in 2022, although the Dukes weren’t eligible for playoff or New Year’s Six Bowl consideration until 2024. This fall, JMU went 12-1 and ended the year on an 11-game winning streak that included a Sun Belt Championship win over Troy on Friday.

JMU’s lone loss came to Louisville in Week 2. The Dukes lost 28-14, but they were tied with the Cardinals in the fourth quarter before fading in the game’s final moments. The two teams had essentially equal total yardage in the game.

In Sun Belt play, JMU was dominant. The Dukes beat all nine Sun Belt opponents it played, with eight of the nine wins coming by double digits. 

JMU is one of two Group of Five programs to make the field, joining No. 11 seed Tulane. The ACC cannibalized itself, with Duke not making the field despite winning the ACC title game. Miami made the field as an at-large team.

The Dukes are a significant road underdog against Oregon to open the tournament. 

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications