JMU Athletic Programs Set for Move to American Athletic Conference by 2028

By Billy Briefman · October 13, 2026 · 2 min read read

Category: Sports

James Madison University will leave the Sun Belt Conference to join the American Athletic Conference by 2028, according to a report from WRIC 8News. Originally reported by WRIC 8News. WRIC 8News...

Originally reported by WRIC 8News. WRIC 8News

The Harrisonburg-based university plans to transition its athletic programs to the American Athletic Conference (AAC) within the next four years. This move marks the latest shift for the Dukes, who recently transitioned to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level of collegiate athletics. According to WRIC 8News, the university will remain in the Sun Belt Conference until the formal move occurs.

Conference Realignment Continues

The transition places James Madison University in a conference that currently features schools across the eastern and southern United States. While the Sun Belt Conference provided a regional home for the Dukes during their initial FBS years, the move to the AAC represents a new chapter for the university's athletic department. According to reporting from WRIC 8News, the full transition will conclude no later than 2028.

University officials have not yet released specific details regarding exit fees or the exact scheduling of individual sports transitions. The move follows a period of significant growth for the JMU football program, which gained national attention during its first two seasons in the Sun Belt. According to WRIC 8News, the university will continue its current conference schedule for the immediate future.

This article is based on reporting originally published by WRIC 8News. Channel RVA provides this coverage with additional local context for the Richmond community.