American Conference Rebuffs JMU, Miami (Ohio), UConn Expansion Bids
The American Conference has no plans to expand, despite receiving inquiries from three schools—including James Madison—about potential membership, the league told ESPN on Friday. The statement came after Miami (Ohio), JMU, and UConn reached out to the conference, sources said. Miami (Ohio) and JMU sought full membership, while UConn expressed interest in football-only affiliation to keep its Olympic sports in the Big East.
Miami (Ohio) even offered $30 million to $40 million to join the league, according to On3, underscoring the lengths schools will go to escape less lucrative Group of Six conferences. The American, which last expanded in 2024 with Army and added six members in 2023, currently has 14 football-playing members.
"The American is not proactively seeking additional members," the conference said in a statement. "We will continue to evaluate the changing landscape and opportunities that strengthen the conference and support our collective mission."
That stance leaves JMU—and its fans—in a familiar position: dominating on the field but still searching for a bigger stage.
On the Field, Dukes Stay Perfect
While realignment chatter swirls off the field, JMU (3-0) has taken care of business on it. The Dukes opened Sun Belt play Saturday at Old Dominion, riding a four-game winning streak in the Royal Rivalry series. JMU entered the weekend fresh off a 26-13 road win at San Diego State, snapping the Aztecs' seven-game home winning streak.
Quarterback Camden Coleman has been efficient, throwing for 246 yards and no turnovers against SDSU. The Richmond transfer is now 15-1 as a starting quarterback. Wide receiver Braeden Wisloski broke out with five catches for 90 yards, including a 54-yard grab that set up a touchdown. Special teams have been a weapon, with JMU ranking second nationally in kickoff returns and ninth in punt returns.
Still, concerns linger. The offense has sputtered in the second half of both FBS games, scoring just 10 total points after halftime. The defense has carried the load, allowing only 29 points through three games. If the Dukes can put together four complete quarters, they could be a threat to repeat as Sun Belt champions.
Why the American Said No—and Why Schools Keep Asking
The American's decision not to expand is a financial one. The conference signed a 12-year, $1 billion media rights deal with ESPN in 2019, worth more than $7 million annually per school at the time—substantially more than other Group of Six leagues. Under commissioner Tim Pernetti, the conference has brought multimedia rights in-house, launched Rise Ventures, and increased its value by 100% in 11 months.
"As the landscape of college sports continues to evolve competitively, legislatively and legally, the American Conference remains focused on driving innovation," the league said.
For JMU, the interest in the American reflects a broader ambition. Since transitioning from FCS to FBS in 2022, the Dukes have been one of the most successful Group of Six programs, going 8-0 in Sun Belt play last season and winning the conference championship. But the Sun Belt's media deal pays far less than the American's, and the playoff access for the Group of Six's top conference is more direct.
JMU's athletic department framed its inquiry as due diligence. "Our charge is to evaluate every opportunity to make JMU Athletics the best it can be now and moving forward," the department said in a statement.
Miami (Ohio) has taken a more aggressive approach, building one of the highest payrolls in the Group of Six and making three straight MAC title game appearances. The RedHawks' $30–40 million offer echoes Memphis's failed $250 million bid to join the Big 12 in 2025.
Realignment Stalemate Leaves Dukes in Limbo
The American's rejection does not end realignment talk. The conference could revisit expansion if the College Football Playoff expands further or if media rights values shift. For now, JMU remains in the Sun Belt, where it is the hunted rather than the hunter.
On the field, the Dukes have a chance to strengthen their case. A win over Old Dominion would move them to 4-0 and extend their conference winning streak to nine games. A Sun Belt title defense—and perhaps another New Year's Six bowl bid—would keep JMU's name in expansion conversations.
"We strive every day for excellence and to best position our student-athletes and university," JMU said.
That pursuit continues Saturday, even as the conference door remains closed.
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