Liberty and James Madison will rekindle their football rivalry in 2026, according to a copy of the game contract received by ASOR through a FOIA request.
The game will be played on Oct. 31, 2026 at Williams Stadium and Liberty will pay JMU $400,000 for the contest.
This will be the first meeting between the Flames and the Dukes since Nov. 29, 2014 when Liberty defeated JMU in the FCS Playoffs, and also the first time Liberty and JMU have squared off since LU made the move to the FBS ranks.
JMU and Liberty have played 18 times previously, with the Dukes leading the all-time series, 12-6. James Madison is Liberty’s most frequently played opponent in program history with the exception of former Big South rivals Gardner-Webb and Charleston Southern.
The JMU game is the 9th game scheduled for the 2026 season. The Flames’ home slate that season includes Duke, Georgia Southern, New Mexico State, and Army, in addition to the Dukes. Liberty will travel to Wake Forest, Ball State, UMass, and Marshall that season as well.
