The James Madison Dukes are having a stellar college football season and are currently ranked No. 24 in the latest Associated Press Top 25 poll. However, when it comes to the College Football Playoff rankings, the Dukes are noticeably absent.
This omission has sent James Madison fans online, where they are voicing frustration over the team not being included among CFP contenders.
What Are James Madison Fans Saying Online?
James Madison currently holds an 8-1 overall record and is undefeated, 6-0, in Sun Belt Conference play. Many fans believe that should be enough to land the Dukes a spot among the top 25 in the College Football Playoff rankings.
One fan kept it simple after seeing the CFP rankings pop up on ESPN: “Rank James Madison you cowards.”
Rank James Madison you cowards
— Brunson (@BraydenVT) November 12, 2025
Another fan had a direct message for the College Football Playoff Committee, tweeting, “James Madison > USF.”
James Madison > USF
— BuffBoy 🦬 (@skobuffss) November 12, 2025
Another questioned James Madison’s omission, writing, “USF in but James Madison is still unranked.”
CFP Week 12 Rankings
Miami jumped Georgia Tech??
USF in but James Madison is still unranked pic.twitter.com/RuuTKUUDAR
— TSM Sports (@cbbfreak) November 12, 2025
After reviewing the rankings, another fan offered a detailed critique of the committee’s decisions: “No James Madison, Georgia Tech behind Miami, Vanderbilt below Utah. Ole Miss punished after dominant win, Indiana not for close win against .500 team… Committee clearly doesn’t watch ball or understand the precedent they are setting and still not following in situations.”
No James Madison, Georgia Tech behind Miami, Vanderbilt below Utah.
Ole Miss punished after dominant win, Indiana not for close win against .500 team…
Committee clearly doesn’t watch ball or understand the precedent they are setting and still not following in situations
— Gabe Burggraf (@GabeBurggraf) November 12, 2025
Following the announcement of the rankings, it appears the Dukes are being overlooked by the College Football Playoff Committee. Head coach Bob Chesney, in his first season leading James Madison, has the team in a strong position to potentially win the Sun Belt Conference championship.
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Still, James Madison fans are aiming higher, hoping for inclusion in the College Football Playoff rankings. The committee has completed its work for a second consecutive week. Now, the Dukes must return to the field this weekend and show they belong among college football’s top teams.
The Dukes are getting great play from starting quarterback Alonzo Barnett III and wide receiver Isaiah Alston. Running back Wayne Knight has 746 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the season. Knight has also been a spark plug as a receiver, totaling 313 receiving yards along with one touchdown catch.
