JMU football moved to 8-1 overall with a gritty 35-23 win at Marshall. The Dukes are locked into bowl eligibility with ease. Here’s where experts say the Dukes might play this postseason. 

PFSN

JMU at Ole Miss in the first-round of the College Football Playoff.

This is the same projection PFSN had a week ago. Obviously making the CFP would be a seismic achievement for the Dukes. Facing Ole Miss would put JMU’s superb defense to the test against Lane Kiffin’s high-scoring attack. 

ESPN

Mark Schlabach: JMU vs. North Texas in the Myrtle Beach Bowl on Dec. 19

Kyle Bonagura: JMU vs. Memphis in the Birmingham Bowl on Dec. 29

Well this could help settle some JMU vs. the American Conference debates! On paper, these would be electric matchups. The potential downside is, of course, players entering the transfer portal and coaches leaving. Would either team be at full strength for these games? If they are, it would be electric and critical for conference perception. 

Athlon Sports’ Steve Lassan

JMU vs. Ohio in the Cure Bowl in Orlando, Florida, on Dec. 17.

The Bobcats have a chance to win the MAC, meaning this could be a matchup of G5 conference champions. 

CBS Sports’ Brad Crawford

JMU vs. Jacksonville State in the New Orleans Bowl on Dec. 23.

Fans might groan about this one, but the two recent FCS teams have both found success at the FBS level. Jacksonville State is one of the best CUSA teams in 2025. 

The Athletic’s Scott Dochterman 

JMU vs. Miami Ohio in the Cure Bowl in Orlando, Florida, on Dec. 17.

The Redhawks are led by Chuck Martin, who is a fantastic coach with nearly 150 career wins. Consistently one of the best teams in the MAC, Miami Ohio would be a tough out.

Sports Illustrated’s Bryan Fischer 

JMU vs. UConn in the Cure Bowl in Orlando, Florida, on Dec. 17.

The Huskies have a fun football team! They have notable wins over Boston College and Duke this fall. JMU would be favored on paper, but UConn has turned into a solid team under coach Jim Mora.

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications