The James Madison Dukes have shifted their 2027 home matchup against the Duquesne Dukes to the season-opener, according to an announcement Monday.
James Madison had previously been scheduled to host Duquesne on September 11, 2027. The game will now be played two weeks earlier on Saturday, August 28, 2027 at Bridgeforth Stadium in Harrisonburg, Va.
The date adjustment aligns with the NCAA’s June decision to adopt a uniform 14‑week regular season beginning in 2027. Under the new model, FBS programs may begin most seasons during what is currently known as Week Zero—the weekend before Labor Day—which will become the standard Week 1 in most seasons.
James Madison and Duquesne have never met on the gridiron. The Dukes of JMU are 10-1 against current members of the Northeast Conference (NEC), while the Dukes of Duquesne hold an 0-2 record against current Sun Belt teams.
James Madison’s remaining non‑conference slate in 2027 includes road contests against Maryland on September 4 and Delaware on September 18, followed by a home contest against UNLV on September 25.
Duquesne has one additional non-conference game announced for the 2027 season — a road contest against Michigan State on Sept. 4.
James Madison is set to open the 2026 season at home on Saturday, September 5, against Liberty. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00pm ET and the game will be televised by ESPNU.
Duquesne opens its fall campaign on the same day on the road against Air Force. The game will be streamed live via Mountain West+ at 1:00pm ET.
