ESPN’s Football Power Index gives JMU a 100% chance of reaching six wins and becoming bowl eligible this season. While nothing is actually a guarantee, it would be stunning if the currently 4-0 Dukes missed out on a bowl game in 2024. In fact, the Dukes have their sights set on contending for the College Football Playoff.

With the calendar turning to October, we figured now would be a good time to start keeping tabs on the Dukes’ postseason projections. We’ll update this JMU football bowl game projection tracker weekly, giving fans the latest updates on where the Dukes could play in the postseason.

JMU played in its first bowl game in 2023, losing to Air Force 31-21. The Dukes competed in the game without head coach Curt Cignetti, who left before the contest to take the head coaching job at Indiana. Several assistant coaches were also not present for the defeat.

Oct. 4 update

Our first update includes one analyst predicting that JMU makes the College Football Playoff and faces one of the most storied FBS programs. How’s that for Year 3 of JMU’s FBS era?

ESPN’s Kyle Bonagura: No. 12 JMU at No. 5 Alabama in the CFP

ESPN’s Mark Schlabach: JMU vs. Liberty in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl on Dec. 19

Action Network’s Brett McMurphy: JMU vs. Liberty in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl on Dec. 19

CBS’ Jerry Palm: JMU vs. Liberty in the Myrtle Beach Bowl on Dec. 23

As you can see, JMU vs. Liberty is a popular pick. The matchup would put two Group of Five heavyweights from the same state against each other, likely a smart move for bowl games hoping to garner fan interest and TV audiences. The Dukes will play at Liberty in the 2025 regular season, and the Flames will visit Harrisonburg in 2026.

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications