VaTech drops meeting with JMU, top nonconference foe in Franklin’s 1st season, to fit in 9 ACC games
January 15, 2026
Virginia Tech has canceled its football game against James Madison scheduled for September because of the Atlantic Coast Conference’s move from eight to nine conference games beginning in 2026. The teams had been set to play September 26 in Blacksburg. The schools say they will work to schedule a future game. James Madison, which qualified for the College Football Playoff, would have been the Hokies’ premier nonconference opponent in coach James Franklin’s first season. JMU filled its opening with a road game against San Diego State. JMU confirmed Thursday it would receive $800,000 from Virginia Tech as a cancellation penalty.