CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Virginia will host James Madison in a non-conference football game in 2028, the schools announced Friday. A date for the game has not yet been announced.

This will be the fifth all-time meeting between the Cavaliers and the Dukes. JMU beat UVA in the 2023 season opener at Scott Stadium, evening the series at 2-2.

“This game is good for both programs, both of our respective fan bases, and the Commonwealth at large,” JMU Director of Athletics Matt Roan said in a statement. “We look forward to playing in Charlottesville in 2028 in front of a great crowd.”

Virginia is also scheduled to host FCS Richmond on Sept. 23, 2028. The Cavaliers went 11-3 last season under coach Tony Elliott, reached the ACC championship game and won the Gator Bowl.

JMU, which reached the College Football Playoff in 2025, falling at Oregon in the first round, was scheduled to play at Virginia Tech this coming season. Tech canceled that game when the ACC moved to a nine-game conference schedule.

The Dukes will play this season under a new coach. Billy Napier, the former Florida big whistle, was hired to replace Bob Chesney, who left after the CFP loss to take over at UCLA.