The Dukes have proven themselves at the FCS level. So why are they still in the CAA?
Along Interstate 81 going up northwest Virginia past the Blue Ridge Mountains, travelers make their way through the Shenandoah Valley. Nestled in the valley is the city of Harrisonburg, home to over 120,000 residents. Right in the middle of the city just off I-81 is James Madison University.
JMU, home to over 20,000 students, is one of the top masters-level universities in the country. The Dukes, with 18 varsity sports, have been fairly successful in recent times. JMU hosted College Gameday in 2015, had a ranked women's basketball team, softball was in the top 10 and hosted a Super Regional and boasts several nationally-competitive sports.