James Madison: Conference realignment: 21 non-power schools have moved in three ye…
James Madison · Miami (Ohio) · MemphisTo paraphrase Neil Young: Conference realignment never sleeps. The latest is James Madison , which is bolting the Sun Belt for the American.
They will be the American’s 15th football member, though there are currently no plans to add a 16th, a source said. That’s less than Miami (Ohio) was prepared to pay.
So why did the American take less money? “Look at the matchups the American will get: James Madison vs. Memphis , JMU vs. Tulane or USF ,” an industry source said.
“The common fan has more interest in those matchups than those schools playing Miami (Ohio). “More importantly, James Madison is much better and adds to the quality at the top of the American.
KEY POINTS
- James Madison will be 21st non-Power school to change leagues in last 3 years and more is still ahead
- In the past three seasons, 20 schools outside the Power Four have changed conferences.
- Officially, the Dukes will join before the 2028 academic year, but there’s hope JMU can come aboard before the 2027 season.
- The RedHawks were willing to offer between $30 million and $40 million to join the league, sources said.