James Madison demolished Troy in Harrisonburg last Friday night with a scoreline of 31-14 to claim their first-ever Sun Belt Conference championship, and suddenly their playoff chances don’t seem so impossible anymore.
Wayne Knight put on an absolute show, racking up 212 rushing yards on 21 carries whilst also completing a 73-yard scoring run in the second quarter, making it the longest rushing touchdown in Sun Belt championship game history.
Despite JMU’s Sun Belt championship victory against Troy, they were also dependent on some other results, particularly the ACC championship between Duke and Virginia.
A year to the day for Alonza Barnett from surgery to Sun Belt Champion
Barnett had the game sealing touchdown run last night to cap off a crazy 365 days for the Sun Belt Player of the Year
(📸 via Alonza Barnett III’s Instagram Story) pic.twitter.com/p0l2s6Kng8
— JMU Sports News (@JMUSportsNews) December 6, 2025
After Duke’s 27-20 overtime victory in the ACC Championship against Virginia, JMU are now almost guaranteed a playoff spot, as they are touted to be ranked in front of Duke, which will get them an auto bid into the CFP.
The CFP format guarantees spots for the five highest-ranked conference champs, regardless of whether they’re from the Power Four or Group of Five, and it’s purely contingent on where the committee ranks you.
With Duke’s win in the ACC title game, James Madison is most likely the fifth-highest-ranked conference champion.
Bob Chesney Set To Coach JMU Through Playoffs Despite UCLA Move
Despite securing his new five-year deal with UCLA, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Chesney will continue to coach James Madison through their postseason run should JMU qualify for the playoffs.
The UCLA Bruins, who moved on from DeShaun Foster earlier in the 2025 season, have officially landed James Madison’s Bob Chesney as their next head coach. UCLA is reportedly offering Chesney an annual salary expected to fall between $6 million and $7 million.
Sources: James Madison coach Bob Chesney has emerged as the target of UCLA’s coaching search. He’s set to sign a 5-year deal with UCLA that will emerge after James Madison’s Sun Belt championship game. UCLA has agreed for him to coach in the CFP, if JMU makes it. pic.twitter.com/PLznBJoY5r
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 1, 2025
UCLA will also be responsible for a $1.25 million buyout tied to Chesney’s James Madison contract, which was originally set to run through 2028. Meanwhile, a $140,000 retention bonus included in his JMU agreement becomes void following his departure.
Also Read:
- Can Ole Miss And JMU Miss Out On College Football Playoff? How Lane Kiffin, Bob Chesney’s Exits Could Cause Chaos
- What is Bob Chesney’s Buyout at James Madison? Contract Explained as UCLA Rumors Swirl
- James Madison 2025 Football Schedule: Can the Dukes Continue To Rise in the Sun Belt?
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