James Madison to Join American Conference by 2028
Jason Smith and John Martin discussed the breaking news of James Madison University (JMU) joining the American Athletic Conference (AAC) in 2028. AUDIO:
James Madison University is officially headed to the American Conference, giving Memphis and the league another competitive football program.
James Madison will join American no later than July 1, 2028, sources told @On3
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) October 12, 2026
The school announced Monday (October 12) that it has accepted an invitation to join the American no later than July 1, 2028, ending its membership in the Sun Belt Conference, which began in 2022.
The Dukes have quickly established themselves as one of the nation's rising football programs, highlighted by an appearance in the 2025 College Football Playoff. James Madison has also enjoyed success in men's and women's basketball and several other sports.
The move will bring 17 of JMU's 18 varsity sports into the American, with field hockey remaining in the Mid-American Conference.
For Memphis, the addition means another strong football opponent and a new conference rival. American Conference Commissioner Tim Pernetti praised James Madison's competitive success, growing national profile and strong fan support.
The move is the latest development in the changing landscape of college athletics as conferences continue to position themselves for the future.
BREAKING | The American Conference announced today that James Madison University has been admitted as a full member of the conference, with competition to begin no later than July 1, 2028.🔗 https://t.co/8yIAL5EB5N#BuiltToRise x @JMUSports https://t.co/gnE5pFwz2O
— The American (@American_Conf) October 12, 2026
Full coverage of the American Athletic Conference on Memphis' Sports Station, 92.9 FM ESPN.
JMU moving from the Sun Belt to AAC in 2028
JMU moving from the Sun Belt to AAC in 2028
