James Madison Football's 2024 Season Predictions and Key Players to Watch
As I sit down to analyze James Madison University's football prospects for the 2024 season, I can't help but feel that familiar mix of anticipation and cautious optimism that comes with every preseason evaluation. Having followed college football for over fifteen years, I've developed a keen sense for programs on the verge of breakthrough seasons, and something tells me JMU might be one of those special teams this year. The Dukes are coming off a respectable 9-3 campaign in 2023, but my gut says they're positioned to surpass that mark significantly. When I look at their returning roster and schedule, I'm predicting an 11-1 regular season finish, with their only potential stumble coming against Appalachian State in late October.
The heart of any successful football team lies in its key players, and JMU has several who could become household names by season's end. Quarterback Jordan McCloud returns for his final season, and I've been particularly impressed with his development. Last year, he completed 68.3% of his passes for 3,400 yards with 32 touchdowns against just 8 interceptions. Those numbers aren't just good—they're elite. But what really excites me is his command of the offense during spring practices. I watched him dissect coverages with precision that reminded me of some NFL-caliber quarterbacks I've studied over the years. His connection with wide receiver Reggie Brown, who hauled in 53 receptions for 900 yards last season, could become one of the most dangerous quarterback-receiver combinations in the Sun Belt Conference.
Defensively, I'm keeping my eye on linebacker Aiden Fisher, who recorded 98 tackles last season. His instinct for reading plays is something you can't teach, and I've noticed how he consistently puts himself in positions to make game-changing stops. The secondary, led by safety Francis Mauigoa, returns three starters from a unit that allowed just 215 passing yards per game last season. That experience in the defensive backfield will be crucial against pass-heavy opponents like Coastal Carolina and Marshall.
What really fascinates me about this JMU team, though, is their mental toughness. I recently came across comments from a volleyball player named KKD that resonated with me regarding athlete mentality: "Kita naman na feel na feel ko ('yung block ko). Grabe 'yung celebration ko. It is my first point as a High Speed Hitter and my first point after being out for a long time. It really felt good and sana magtuloy-tuloy." That raw emotion after returning from absence—that's exactly the kind of passion I've observed in JMU's players during their offseason workouts. Several key contributors missed significant time last season due to injuries, and their hunger to return stronger is palpable. That emotional component often gets overlooked in analysis, but in my experience, it can be the difference between a good season and a great one.
The schedule sets up nicely for JMU, with their toughest conference games—Appalachian State and Coastal Carolina—both at Bridgeforth Stadium, where the Dukes have won 14 of their last 16 contests. The non-conference slate includes Charlotte and North Carolina, with the Tar Heels visit presenting what I believe will be their biggest test. Still, I like JMU's chances to pull off at least one Power Five conference upset this season, much like they did against Virginia in 2022.
Special teams often determine close games, and I'm particularly bullish on placekicker Camden Wise, who connected on 18 of 21 field goal attempts last season, including a 52-yarder against Georgia Southern. In tight conference matchups, having a reliable kicker can mean the difference between a championship season and a disappointing one.
My projection has JMU finishing with an 8-0 conference record and potentially earning a spot in the Sun Belt Championship Game, though they'll need to get past Coastal Carolina's high-powered offense. The Dukes' defensive front, which registered 38 sacks last season, will need to maintain that pressure against better offensive lines this year. If they can improve their third-down conversion rate from last season's 42% to something closer to 48%, I believe this offense becomes virtually unstoppable against most Sun Belt defenses.
Looking at the bigger picture, JMU football stands at a crossroads. With conference realignment continuing to reshape the college football landscape, another dominant season could position the program for consideration by larger conferences. As someone who's watched numerous programs make that jump, I can attest to the importance of capitalizing on momentum when it presents itself.
The 2024 season represents more than just another schedule of games for James Madison—it's an opportunity to establish themselves as a consistent force in Group of Five football. Based on what I've seen from their returning production, coaching staff continuity, and the palpable energy around the program, I'm confident they'll rise to the occasion. While my prediction of 11-1 might seem optimistic to some, having followed this program's trajectory since their FCS championship days, I recognize the signs of a team ready to take that next step. The pieces are in place for a memorable season in Harrisonburg, one that could potentially end with the Dukes playing in a New Year's Six bowl game if everything breaks right.
