You Won't Believe Where to Catch the Epic Troy vs. James Madison Showdown—Stream for FREE NOW!

The upcoming Sun Belt Championship on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET will see the No. 25 James Madison Dukes face off against the Troy Trojans at Bridgeforth Stadium in Harrisburg, Virginia. This matchup is not just another game; it's a crucial opportunity for James Madison to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP), contingent upon some assistance from the Duke Blue Devils in the ACC Championship.

Fans can catch the game live on ESPN and stream it via platforms like DIRECTV (which offers a free trial), fuboTV (also featuring a free trial), and Sling.

As it stands, James Madison boasts an impressive 11-1 record and is currently ranked 25th in the CFP rankings. The stakes are high; not only does a victory over Troy solidify their claim to a spot in the playoff, but it also hinges on the outcome of the ACC title game between No. 16 Virginia and Duke. Should Duke triumph, it could potentially open the door for the Sun Belt to secure a coveted champion's spot in the playoff, sidelining the hopes of some ACC teams.

This intricate playoff scenario is reflective of a larger conversation surrounding the evolving landscape of college football, particularly as the CFP moves towards a 12-team format. Teams from traditional power conferences often receive the spotlight, but the success of programs like James Madison and Troy suggests a shifting narrative where Group of Five teams are fighting for recognition and respect on a national scale.

In an intriguing twist, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is also on the brink of a potential shake-up. ACC commissioner Jim Phillips has been vocal about pushing for No. 12 Miami to receive a playoff bid alongside the winner of the ACC championship game. Miami, with a record of 10-2, stands as the highest-ranked team from the ACC according to both the AP Top 25 and CFP rankings. The Hurricanes, meanwhile, are closely scrutinizing their competition, especially given their head-to-head win over Notre Dame, which is ranked just ahead of them despite a similar record.

The current dynamics in the college football landscape have resulted in a logjam of teams with similar records, leading to intricate tiebreaker policies that come into play. Duke's inclusion in the title game, just ahead of Miami and others, exemplifies the complexity of these rankings and the pressure on teams to perform in critical matchups.

As Phillips noted in a recent interview with the Associated Press, “I have conviction and confidence in our teams, starting with Miami. The second piece of that is the Virginia-Duke winner should absolutely be in this College Football Playoff.” His assertion underscores the competitive nature of this season and the ACC's desperation to secure multiple playoff bids.

The potential for chaos is palpable, especially with James Madison on the periphery of the playoff conversation. The Dukes' singular loss came against an ACC opponent, Louisville, and they have the opportunity to bolster their resume with a strong showing in the Sun Belt Championship. Meanwhile, Duke’s coach, Manny Diaz, expressed confidence that a title win would make a strong case for the Blue Devils in the playoff conversation, citing their strength of schedule as a key factor.

This championship weekend will not only determine the immediate futures of the teams involved but may also reshape the narrative surrounding conference alignments and playoff dynamics in the coming years. With the potential for expanded playoff formats, the implications of these games stretch far beyond the final scores. As fans gear up for a weekend filled with thrilling college football action, the outcomes may significantly impact which teams get a shot at the national title this season.