Liberty vs James Madison Picks and Prediction for Saturday September 5 2026

By: Eddie Kline Published 09/04/2026, 12:07 AM ET

Liberty Preview

A huge college football Group of Six showdown will take place on Saturday afternoon, when the Liberty Flames invade Bridgeforth Stadium to battle the James Madison Dukes. Make sure you are ready for all the football action with our college football picks. The Flames (4-8) have been one of the premier teams in Conference USA, but are looking to rebound from a difficult season. The Liberty offensive line returns four starters and the running back room is headlined by Arizona State/Army transfer Kanye Udoh. Newly promoted offensive coordinator Newland Isaac still has not decided on a starting quarterback.

Former Virginia Tech assistant Shawn Quinn takes over a defense that ranked second in the conference in yards allowed, but gave up 26.5 points per game. The defensive line and linebacker corps is experienced, while the secondary is relying on transfers to hit. Leading tackler Derrell Farrar (71 tackles) is the leader of the Liberty defense.

James Madison Preview

The James Madison Dukes crashed the College Football Playoff and fought to the end in a 51-34 loss against fifth-ranked Oregon. Head coach Bob Chesney departed for UCLA in the offseason and was replaced with former Florida head coach Billy Napier. The Dukes (12-2) lost 12 of their top 14 snap count players on offense and defense, but do have the second rated Group of Six transfer class. James Madison is big along the offensive line and will be a run-heavy team.

James Madison ranked fifth nationally in total defense and limited opponents to 18.4 points per contest. The coaching staff is excited about Wisconsin transfer edge Ernest Willor and the linebacking group should be a strength. Sophomore CB D.J. Kelly Toledo has the talent to be productive but is light on experience.

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Liberty vs James Madison Pick

Both teams will look to establish the run, so the under is worth a look. Liberty has won six straight season openers and is eager to bounce back from a disappointing 4-8 season. James Madison lost so much from last year’s playoff team and will be hard pressed to click on all cylinders in the home opener. Take the points. Final Score Prediction, James Madison Dukes win 24-23.