Saturday, September 5, 2026. Kickoff noon ET on ESPNU.
Two of Virginia’s three FBS programs meet in Harrisonburg to open the season, and it is the best Group of Six matchup of the noon window. James Madison won the Sun Belt and reached the College Football Playoff in 2025; Liberty is looking to reset after a down year.
| Kickoff | Noon ET · 11 a.m. CT · 10 a.m. MT · 9 a.m. PT |
| TV | ESPNU |
| Streaming | ESPN app, Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling Orange, DirecTV Stream |
| Venue | Bridgeforth Stadium, Harrisonburg, Virginia |
| Line | James Madison favored. ESPN’s pregame model gives JMU a 69 percent win probability. Check your book for the current spread. |
Prediction and Odds
James Madison is the deserved favorite at home. The Dukes went 12-1 and won the Sun Belt in 2025, then landed in the playoff as the Group of Six representative alongside Tulane. Bridgeforth Stadium is one of the loudest venues at this level, and JMU has lost almost nothing in the trenches. Liberty has the more explosive individual talent but is coming off a losing season and traveling to a top tier Group of Six environment for its opener.
Our pick: James Madison 27, Liberty 17. JMU wins outright; if the spread lands above 10, Liberty is worth a look to cover.
Why This One Matters
For JMU, a convincing opener keeps the Dukes in the early Group of Six playoff conversation, and a loss to an in-state program that did not make a bowl would be a rough way to start. For Liberty, this is the best resume win available before Conference USA play. The two schools are 150 miles apart and have played sparingly, so there is genuine curiosity around this one in the Commonwealth.
How to Watch Without Cable
ESPNU is included in the ESPN app’s full plan and in Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling Orange and DirecTV Stream. It is not available over the air. See our college football streaming guide for the full breakdown.
The Bottom Line
Liberty at James Madison kicks off at noon ET Saturday, September 5 on ESPNU from Harrisonburg. We like JMU to win at home. Scores update on our live scoreboard, and the full noon slate is on our Saturday schedule.