HARRISONBURG, Va. (JMU Athletics) – Following its ninth consecutive victory, James Madison rose one spot in both major college football polls, checking in at #20 in this week’s AP Top 25 and #21 in the US LBM Coaches Poll.

The Dukes improved to 10-1 on the year after a fourth-quarter comeback to beat Washington State, 24-20, to cap off an undefeated record at home during the regular season.

The Dukes, who had already captured the Sun Belt Conference East Division title a week ago, also secured hosting rights for the 2025 Credit Union 1 Sun Belt Football Championship presented by Visit Pensacola. They will host the Sun Belt title game on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. on ESPN.

JMU is once again the top-ranked Group of Six program in either poll, as it was joined by North Texas (#21/#22) and Tulane (#22/#23).

Since joining the Football Bowl Subdivision in 2022, JMU has now been nationally ranked in the AP Top 25 in 11 polls, as the #20 ranking is second-highest ranking JMU has ever achieved. JMU held a #18 AP Top 25 ranking on Nov. 12, 2023. It’s #21 Coaches Poll rank is also tied for the highest ranking ever in that poll, joining the #21 ranking on both Nov. 5 and Nov. 12, 2023.

#20 JMU closes the regular season on Saturday, Nov. 29 when it travels to Conway, S.C., to face Coastal Carolina. Kickoff from Brooks Stadium is set for 3:45 p.m.

— JMU Athletics —