As previously announced, Liberty and James Madison agreed to a home and home series for 2033 and 2034 after canceling a single game that was originally scheduled for Oct. 24, 2026 in Lynchburg. This change happened following JMU’s move to the FBS.
The games scheduled for Sept. 17, 2033 and Sept. 16, 2034 have had their locations switched. Originally scheduled for the series to begin in Lynchburg, the 2033 game will now be played in Harrisonburg while the 2034 date will be played at Williams Stadium in Lynchburg, according to an updated copy of the contract.
Following the most recent change, the Flames are scheduled to travel to play at James Madison on Sept. 17, 2033 and host JMU on Sept. 16, 2034.
The Dukes are one of the newest members of the FBS, joining the Sun Belt after a long stay in the FCS. JMU completed their first season at the FBS level with an 8-3 overall record and 6-2 mark in the Sun Belt.
Liberty and James Madison have met a number of times over the years with the Dukes maintaining a series advantage, 12-6. The last meeting came in 2014 when the Flames knocked off JMU in the first round of the FCS playoffs in Harrisonburg, 26-21. It was the first ever FCS Playoff win for Liberty.
The Flames made the move to the FBS as an Independent beginning with the 2019 season, competing outside of a conference the past few years. Liberty has seen tremendous success under head coach Hugh Freeze who has guided the program to four straight 8+ win seasons and four straight bowl appearances.
The Flames will be moving to Conference USA beginning with the 2023 season as well as also welcoming new head coach Jamey Chadwell to Lynchburg to guide the Flames. Chadwell comes to Liberty following his head coaching tenure at Coastal Carolina.
