AP Top 25 Poll

#24 James Madison Dukes

2023

Overall Record

11-1

Last Game

vs Coastal Carolina W 56-14

Conference Record

7-1

Next Game

@Air Force 12/23/2023

FILE - James Madison head coach Curt Cignetti watches from the sidelines during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Norfolk State in Harrisonburg, Va., Saturday, Sep. 10, 2022. The Indiana Hoosiers are finalizing a deal to hire Curt Cignetti as their new football coach, two people with direct knowledge of the decision have told The Associated Press. (Daniel Lin/Daily News-Record via AP, File)

New Indiana coach Curt Cignetti says ‘no reason’ he can’t replicate his JMU success

The coach who led a stunningly successful move by James Madison to the highest level of college football has big goals for his new job at Indiana.

Minnesota head coach P. J. Fleck stands on the sideline during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

FBS newcomers James Madison and Jacksonville State along with 5-7 Minnesota get last 3 bowl slots

James Madison quarterback Jordan McCloud (2) carries the football against Coastal Carolina during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Conway, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

McCloud throws career-high 5 TD passes, No. 24 James Madison beats Coastal Carolina 56-14

Appalachian State wide receiver Kaedin Robinson (2) tries to outrun James Madison safety Jacob Thomas (27) after shedding cornerback Chauncey Logan (2) and linebacker Noah Holmes, right, on his way to scoring the game-winning touchdown during overtime of an NCAA college football game in Harrisonburg, Va., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. (Daniel Lin/Daily News-Record via AP)

Appalachian State ends unbeaten run by No. 18 James Madison 26-23 in overtime

James Madison head coach Curt Cignetti walks onto the field at the start of a timeout during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Connecticut in Harrisonburg, Va., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. (Daniel Lin/Daily News-Record via AP)

Its NCAA appeal denied, No. 18 James Madison turns to surging Appalacian State in home finale

No. 24 James Madison looks to get back to winning against Coastal Carolina after season’s first loss

No. 24 James Madison coach Curt Cignetti believes there’s plenty to play for, even if his team’s undefeated dream is over.

No. 24 James Madison looks to close strong, keep Coastal Carolina out of the Sun Belt title game

No. 24 James Madison tries to bounce back from its first loss of the season when it finishes the regular season at Coastal Carolina on Saturday.

Virginia Attorney General hires law firm to represent James Madison in bowl eligibility dispute

The Virginia Attorney General has hired a law firm to represent James Madison University regarding the NCAA’s decision Wednesday night not to grant the Dukes a waiver from a rule that prevents the unbeaten No. 18 football team from an automatic bowl berth.

James Madison quarterback Jordan McCloud (2) carries the ball up the field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Connecticut in Harrisonburg, Va., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. (Daniel Lin/Daily News-Record via AP)

Spurned by NCAA, No. 18 James Madison will need focus as it faces surging Appalachian State

With its request for relief by the NCAA from automatic bowl qualification denied, No. 18 James Madison may play with some fury against Appalachian State.

James Madison celebrates after defeating Connecticut during an NCAA college football game in Harrisonburg, Va., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. (Daniel Lin/Daily News-Record via AP)

James Madison riding 13-game winning streak and making the transition from FCS look almost easy

James Madison must be making fellow Sun Belt Conference programs wonder “who invited these guys?’ The 18th-ranked Dukes have been the dominant football team in the league since they joined last season, winning 12 of 14 conference games.

Connecticut head coach Jim Mora watches his team from their bench during the first half of an NCAA college football game against James Madison in Harrisonburg, Va., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. (Daniel Lin/Daily News-Record via AP)

McCloud has another huge day and leads No. 21 James Madison past UConn 44-6

Jordan McCloud threw for a career-high 457 yards and four touchdowns and No. 21 James Madison overcame a slow start and beat Connecticut 44-6 for the Dukes’ 13th consecutive win dating to last season.

James Madison head coach Curt Cignetti, right, and training staff check defensive lineman Jalen Green (10) in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia State, Saturday, Nov. 4 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)

Undefeated No. 21 James Madison puts focus on football instead of bowl eligibility vs UConn

Undefeated James Madison has a lot of issues swirling as it prepares to host Connecticut. Coach Curt Cignetti wants a singular focus.

James Madison defensive lineman Jalen Green (10) celebrates after the team's NCAA college football game against Old Dominion on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Harrisonburg, Va. (AP Photo/Mike Caudill)

Unbeaten No. 21 James Madison writes NCAA seeking remediation for two-year bowl ban

James Madison, in its second year of transitioning from the Bowl Subdivision to the Championship Subdivision, has written to the NCAA asking that the rule preventing the Dukes from participating in a bowl game be changed.

James Madison head coach Curt Cignetti, right, and training staff check defensive lineman Jalen Green (10) in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia State, Saturday, Nov. 4 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)

Jalen Green, No. 21 James Madison’s sack master, lost for season with knee injury

James Madison defensive end Jalen Green, the national leader in sacks and tackles for loss, will miss the remainder of the season for the No. 21 Dukes after injuring a knee in their 42-14 victory at Georgia State.

James Madison quarterback Jordan McCloud scrambles in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia State, Saturday, Nov. 4 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)

McCloud throws 4 TD passes, runs for 2 TDs to lead No. 23 JMU over Georgia State 42-14

Jordan McCloud accounted for six touchdowns to lead No. 23 James Madison to a 42-14 win over Georgia State.

James Madison wide receiver Elijah Sarratt (13) is tackled by Old Dominion cornerback Khian'Dre Harris (16) short of the goal line during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Harrisonburg, Va. (AP Photo/Mike Caudill)

No. 23 James Madison takes 11-game winning streak into meeting vs. Georgia State

No. 23 James Madison takes an 11-game winning streak into its game Saturday against Sun Belt Conference rival Georgia State.

James Madison defensive lineman Jalen Green (10) celebrates after the team's NCAA college football game against Old Dominion on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Harrisonburg, Va. (AP Photo/Mike Caudill)

No. 23 James Madison looks to extend perfect season, heads to Atlanta to face Georgia State

James Madison had made quite an impression moving up to college football’s top division, even if the No. 23 Dukes won’t be rewarded for it.

James Madison defensive lineman Jalen Green (10) celebrates after the team's NCAA college football game against Old Dominion on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Harrisonburg, Va. (AP Photo/Mike Caudill)

Why can’t unbeaten James Madison appear in the CFP rankings? It’s not an option for the Dukes

The College Football Playoff rankings will be released for the first time this season on Tuesday night and one unbeaten team is guaranteed to be left out.

James Madison quarterback Jordan McCloud (2) throws a pass as he is pressured by Old Dominion safety Terry Jones (1) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Harrisonburg, Va. (AP Photo/Mike Caudill)

No. 25 James Madison wins 11th in a row, holding off Old Dominion 30-27

Jordan McCloud threw for three touchdowns and ran for another, and No. 25 James Madison stretched its winning streak to 11 with a tense 30-27 victory over Old Dominion.

Marshall defensive back Micah Abraham, left, breaks up a pass to James Madison wide receiver Omarion Dollison (9) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Huntington, W.Va., Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023. (Daniel Lin/Daily News-Record via AP)

No. 25 James Madison’s perch atop the Sun Belt’s East Division on the line against Old Dominion

James Madison hopes its second time in the Top 25 lasts longer than its first. The No. 25 Dukes made their FBS rankings debut last year but promptly lost three in a row.

James Madison quarterback Jordan McCloud (2) looks for an open receiver during the second half of an NCAAcollege football game against Marshall in Huntington, W.Va., Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023. (Daniel Lin/Daily News-Record Via AP)/Daily News-Record via AP)

Sun Belt East Division upper hand among the carrots when Old Dominion visits No. 25 James Madison

A lot will be on the line when Old Dominion visits No. 25 James Madison. The winner would gain an upper hand in the Sun Belt’s East Division standings.

James Madison's Jordan McCloud (2) moves the ball on a run against Marshall during an NCAA college football game Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, in Huntigton, W.Va. (Ryan FischerThe Herald-Dispatch via AP)

Back in Top 25, James Madison hopes to avoid another skid that takes them right back out

James Madison is back in the Top 25 after a 7-0 start to the season, and coach Curt Cignetti is confident the Dukes are better prepared for more success this time.

James Madison's Jordan McCloud (2) moves the ball on a run against Marshall during an NCAA college football game Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, in Huntigton, W.Va. (Ryan FischerThe Herald-Dispatch via AP)

McCloud passes for TD, runs for another as JMU beats Marshall 20-9, wins 9th straight

Jordan McCloud passed for 264 yards, including a 28-yard touchdown to Reggie Brown, and ran for 69 yards and a TD to help James Madison beat Marshall 20-9 and extend the Dukes’ win streak to nine games.

McCloud throws 3 TD passes, James Madison holds on to beat South Alabama 31-23

Jordan McCloud threw three touchdown passes — two to Zach Horton — and Jalen Green returned an interception 24 yards for a TD to help James Madison beat South Alabama 31-23.

Jordan McCloud accounts for 6 TDs, JMU holds off Utah State for 45-38 win

Redshirt senior Jordan McCloud accounted for a career-high six touchdowns, including a 74-yard pass to Reggie Brown that capped the scoring, and James Madison held off a furious rally by Utah State to win 45-38.

James Madison fends off Troy 16-14 in Sun Belt Conference opener

Jordan McCloud threw for 200 yards and a touchdown and James Madison held on to beat Troy 16-14 in a Sun Belt Conference opener for both teams.

Virginia's Kobe Pace (5) drives with the ball during an NCAA college football game against James Madison in Charlottesville, Va., on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Mike Kropf)

James Madison spoils Virginia’s UVA Strong celebration 36-35 on touchdown pass with 55 seconds left

Jordan McCloud hit Kaelon Black with a 10-yard tuchdown pass with 55 seconds to play, capping a fourth-quarter rally and James Madison beat Virginia 36-35, spoiling the Cavaliers’ first home game since three players were fatally shot last November.

Virginia quarterback Tony Muskett, grabs his arm after being sacked by a Tennessee defender in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. Tennessee won 49-13. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Virginia to honor slain football players before facing James Madison in home opener

Emotions figure to run high for Virginia when the Cavaliers open their home slate against James Madison on Saturday.

FILE - James Madison head coach Sean O'Regan directs his team during the first half of a women's NCAA college basketball game against North Carolina in Harrisonburg, Va., Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022. James Madison’s winter sports teams have picked up right where the fall programs finished in their transition to the Sun Belt Conference.(Daniel Lin/Daily News-Record via AP, File)

James Madison finding success in transition to Sun Belt

James Madison’s winter teams have picked up where the fall programs left off in their transition to the Sun Belt Conference — by winning.

Michigan players celebrate their win over Ohio State after an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

No. 3 Michigan tops No. 2 Ohio State 45-23, eyes CFP berth

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — J.J. McCarthy threw three touchdown passes and ran for a score, Donovan Edwards busted the game open with two long fourth-quarter TD runs and No. 3 Michigan beat No. 2 Ohio State 45-23 on Saturday, taking down the Buckeyes with stunning ease for the second straight season.

James Madison players gather for a group photo as they celebrate after an NCAA college football game against Coastal Carolina in Harrisonburg, Va., Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022. (Daniel Lin/Daily News-Record via AP)

Centeio leads JMU in 47-7 romp of No. 23 Coastal Carolina

HARRISONBURG, Va. (AP) — James Madison knew when it made the jump to the Bowl Subdivision this season that conference championships would not be available right away because of NCAA transition rules.

FILE - The Coastal Carolina cheerleaders lead the team onto the field before an NCAA college football game against Georgia State on Nov. 13, 2021, in Conway, S.C. What looked like a week of opportunity for No. 23 Coastal Carolina quickly became one of grief and unconditional support for the University of Virginia football team the Chants were supposed to play on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. That game was called off Wednesday, Nov. 16, as Virginia continued grieving their three football players killed by a former member of the Cavaliers last Sunday night, Nov. 13. (AP Photo/Artie Walker, Jr., File)

No. 23 Coastal Carolina faces JMU with title game on horizon

No. 23 Coastal Carolina (9-1, 6-1 Sun Belt) at James Madison (7-3, 5-2), Saturday, Noon EST (ESPNU)

FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK COLLEGE LINE: James Madison by 13 1/2.

FILE - The Coastal Carolina cheerleaders lead the team onto the field before an NCAA college football game against Georgia State on Nov. 13, 2021, in Conway, S.C. What looked like a week of opportunity for No. 23 Coastal Carolina quickly became one of grief and unconditional support for the University of Virginia football team the Chants were supposed to play on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. That game was called off Wednesday, Nov. 16, as Virginia continued grieving their three football players killed by a former member of the Cavaliers last Sunday night, Nov. 13. (AP Photo/Artie Walker, Jr., File)

No. 23 Coastal Carolina puts ranking on line at JMU

Coastal Carolina will travel to Harrisonburg, Virginia, hoping to make its stay in the Top 25 last longer than that of its opponent, formerly ranked James Madison.

James Madison rallies to beat Georgia State 42-40

HARRISONBURG, Va. (AP) — Todd Centeio threw four touchdown passes, Percy Agyei-Obese ran for two scores and James Madison rallied from 20 points down to beat Georgia State 42-40 on Saturday.

James Madison eases by ODU 37-3 behind three interceptions

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Todd Centeio passed for 304 yards, Kris Thornton had 140 yards receiving and the James Madison defense made three interceptions in a 37-3 win over Old Dominion on Saturday.