James Madison travels to Louisville to play under the lights on Friday night in Week 2 of the 2025 college football season, with plenty at stake for both programs.
Both schools started the season 1-0, but only one team can continue its unbeaten start. Our Cardinals-Dukes preview brings the latest info, head-to-head record, PFSN player grades, and a prediction for the must-watch matchup.
Louisville vs. James Madison Details
- Date: Friday, Sept. 5, 2025
- Game Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium | Louisville, Ky.
- Predicted Weather at Kick: 59°F, Cloudy with a 57% chance of rain, 11 mph winds
- How to Watch: ESPN2, ESPN app
Louisville vs. James Madison Head-to-Head Record
Louisville and James Madison will face off for only the second time in college football history in Week 2, as the Dukes head to Kentucky looking to even the series. The Cardinals won the only clash between the two schools 34-10 in November 2022, when Malik Cunningham threw for 223 yards and three touchdowns.
The 2022 season marked James Madison’s first year in the FBS under Curt Cignetti, and their ACC opponents outplayed them. Todd Centeio went 4-of-15 attempts for 52 yards while the Dukes managed only 145 yards on the ground.
Louisville vs. James Madison Grades
Here are the latest PFSN team and positional grades for Louisville vs. James Madison. Each position features the highest graded player from Week 1, and potential names to watch in the Week 2 matchup.
PFSN College OFFi
- Louisville (86.45, B)
- James Madison (73.74, C)
PFSN College DEFi
- Louisville (88.74, B+)
- James Madison (81.82, B-)
PFSN College OLi
- Louisville (74.63, C)
- James Madison (74.3, C)
PFSN College QBi
- Miller Moss, Louisville (82.2, B-)
- Alonzo Barnett, James Madison (70.1, C-)
PFSN College RBi
- Isaac Brown, Louisville (N/A)
- George Pettaway, James Madison (71.54, C-)
PFSN College WRi
- Kris Hughes, Louisville (72.86, C-)
- Michael Scott, James Madison (N/A)
PFSN College TEi
- Jaleel Skinner, Louisville (N/A)
- Logan Kyle, James Madison (73.28, C)
PFSN College EDGEi
- Clev Lubin, Louisville (77.8)
- Amar Thomas, James Madison (70.52, C-)
PFSN College DTi
- Jordan Guerad, Louisville (73.35, C)
- Immanuel Bush, James Madison (71.41, C-)
PFSN College LBi
- T.J. Capers, Louisville (73.88, C)
- Trent Hendrick, James Madison (77.64, C+)
PFSN College CBi
- Jabari Mack, Louisville (73.80, C)
- Justin Eaglin, James Madison (83.40, B)
PFSN College SAFi
- Corey Gordon, Louisville (75.12, C)
- Tyler Brown, James Madison (84.91, B)
Louisville vs. James Madison Prediction
James Madison travels to Louisville Friday night with both programs coming off convincing Week 1 victories to remain undefeated. The Cardinals cruised to a 51-17 victory over Eastern Kentucky, removing their starting quarterback at halftime while leading 41-7.
Miller Moss excelled in his Louisville debut, earning a B- PFSN College QBi grade. He made sound decisions and performed effectively against FCS opposition.
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Meanwhile, James Madison defeated FCS opponent Weber State 45-10 in the season opener.
Friday’s meeting will feature a significant talent increase for both sides, and the game represents a must-win matchup for either team to realize their College Football Playoff aspirations. The Dukes are heavy favorites to win the Sun Belt but head to Kentucky as 14-point underdogs, according to DraftKings.
James Madison’s talented secondary faces a significant test against an exciting Louisville receiving corps. Cardinals WRs Chris Bell, Caulin Lacy, and Kris Hughes headline a group that could be more successful than their 2024 counterparts.
James Madison CB Justin Eaglin and S Tyler Brown must repeat their Week 1 stellar performances (both earning 80-plus PFSN grades) if the Dukes hope to stay competitive.
All signs point toward a Louisville victory, with the Cardinals’ offense potentially too explosive for the Dukes. However, James Madison aims to cause an upset and prove it’s the best Group of Five program ready for a playoff run.
Prediction: Louisville 34, James Madison 24
