HARRISONBURG, Va. (JMU Athletics) – James Madison football announced a non-conference opponent change for the 2026 schedule, as it has added a west coast trip to San Diego State on Sept. 19, 2026.
The addition of the Aztecs comes following the cancellation of JMU’s originally scheduled game at Virginia Tech, which was slated for Sept. 26 in Blacksburg. The cancellation was a result of the Atlantic Coast Conference moving to a nine-game conference slate beginning in 2026, reducing the number of non-conference opponents for VT. JMU and VT will evaluate future scheduling opportunities between the two programs.
The game at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego next season will be a single-game series for JMU and SDSU.
“We appreciate the timely, transparent communication from Whit Babcock and Virginia Tech regarding our game in 2026 following the ACC’s move to a nine-game conference schedule, and we remain hopeful that we’re able to schedule a future game between our two programs down the road,” Director of Athletics Matt Roan said.
He continued, “We’re especially appreciative to J.D. Wicker and his San Diego State staff for stepping forward and being willing to play us. We’re excited to take the Dukes to Southern California to face a new team in what will be one of the best Group of 6 matchups next fall.”
It will be the inaugural meeting between the teams, as well as JMU’s first trip to California for a football game. JMU will face a Pac-12 team now for the second straight season, having beat Washington State at home, 24-20, back on Nov. 22. SDSU joins the Pac-12 in July.
JMU enters the 2026 campaign fresh off a 12-2 season, which was highlighted by the program’s first berth in the College Football Playoff and its first Sun Belt Conference championship. It will also be the first season at the helm for Billy Napier, who took over the program in December.
JMU’s 2026 Non-Conference Schedule
Sept. 5 vs. Liberty (Harrisonburg, Va.)
Sept. 12 vs. Wagner (Harrisonburg, Va.)
Sept. 19 at San Diego State (San Diego, Calif.)
Nov. 14 at UConn (Storrs, Conn.)
JMU’s full schedule, including its eight Sun Belt league games, will be announced in the spring.
— JMU Athletics —
