James Madison Accepted Into American Conference

James Madison University will leave the Sun Belt Conference and join the American Conference as a full member no later than July 1, 2028. JMU's Board of Visitors and American Conference CEOs each voted unanimously to approve the move, making JMU the league's 14th full member. Seventeen of 18 varsity sports will move to the American; field hockey remains in the Mid-American Conference. JMU already competes in the American as an affiliate in lacrosse since 2022 and swimming and diving since 2025. Board rector Dave Rexrode called the American "the right home for James Madison University, academically, competitively, and geographically." Since its 2022 Sun Belt and FBS arrival, JMU is 46-11, reached the 2025 College Football Playoff as the first Sun Belt team there, and started 2026 at 6-0 under first-year coach Billy Napier. Expected fees are $5 million to exit the Sun Belt and $23 million to enter the American, paid with privately raised funds. Sun Belt commissioner Keith Gill said leadership will evaluate opportunities and that "The Sun Belt Conference is RISING, and our best days are ahead." Rated coverage shows no dispute on the core votes, timeline, or fee figures. Whether the move occurs before July 1, 2028 remains open.