2004 Flashback: Connecting with champion Trey Townsend

James Madison football is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of its 2004 NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS) national championship. As part of the celebration, we recently caught up with members of the title squad to reflect on the season and their lives over the last decade. Today we hear from Trey Townsend, who played as a senior linebacker on the title team. JMU formally celebrated the anniversary as part of Champions Weekend at the Nov. 22 Elon game.

Previous Flashbacks: Brandon Beach, Rodney McCarter, Leon Steinfeld, Clint Kent

Football: Where Are They Now Questions (Trey Townsend)

What specific memories do you have from the 2004 season, both in the regular season and the postseason?

When we needed a big play, we got it and found a way to win.

At what point of the season did you get the feeling that this could build into something special?

During the regular season, we really took it one game at a time. At the end of the regular season, we watched the ESPN playoff selection show as a team. We finally knew for certain that we had a playoff spot and at that point we knew we had a chance.

What were your thoughts and emotions entering the championship game?

We had a light week of practice leading up to the championship game. Our goal was to focus on the game plan and not over think it or get overly excited. We had a veteran team and we entered the championship game with a lot of confidence.

Going into the half, what was your confidence level about the outcome of the game?

At the half, we were up 10-7 and there was a lot more football to play. I don't think I thought about the outcome at that point. I just wanted to get a stop on the next series and get the ball back to our offense. (I had to google that score by the way)

When during the game did you realize that this team would be the champions?

Late in the fourth quarter when our offense was driving down the field.

Describe your thoughts and emotions as the offense ran out the final moments on the clock?

We had just won the National Championship and for the seniors this was a perfect ending to our careers at JMU.

What does it mean that your team is still the only team to win a championship without playing a home game? Did the constant road travel impact your performance?

Statistically you always want to play at home. However, at the time, I didn't care where we played. This was our first appearance in the playoffs and we just wanted the chance to compete.

Was the national championship your favorite game from the 2004 season or does another stand out?

The semifinal game at William & Mary stands out. It was two Virginia teams playing for an appearance in the championship game. I think it was about an hour before the game started and the crowd was already louder than it had been all season.

Aside from just the 2004 season, what are some of your overall favorite JMU Football memories?

The cookouts and jokes.

Did the championship team have any pregame rituals/traditions? If yes, what were they?

We listened to Lil John and the Eastside Boyz: Kings of Crunk and Crunk Juice. Turn up!

Did you have a nickname on the team? If yes, what was it? If not, who had the best one?

Pervis Binns a.k.a. "Never Nervous Pervis"

How much do you follow the current JMU Football team either by attending games or via JMUSports.com or social media?

I follow pretty closely. I try to attend at least one game a year in person and I rarely miss televised games.

How much contact have you maintained with the other championship team players?

A lot of us keep in touch.

What are your current professional endeavors?

I work for a large housing finance company where I lead a governance team. My team performs oversight and provides support to mortgage lenders regarding loan servicing and account management.

Where do you currently reside?

Fairfax, Va.

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Calendar

Completed Event: Football at Georgia State on October 4, 2025 , Win , 14, to, 7

Completed Event: Football versus Louisiana on October 11, 2025 , Win , 24, to, 14

Completed Event: Football versus Old Dominion on October 18, 2025 , Win , 63, to, 27

Completed Event: Football at Texas State on October 28, 2025 , Win , 52, to, 20

Completed Event: Football at Marshall on November 8, 2025 , Win , 35, to, 23

Completed Event: Football versus App State on November 15, 2025 , Win , 58, to, 10

Completed Event: Football versus Washington State on November 22, 2025 , Win , 24, to, 20

Completed Event: Football at Coastal Carolina on November 29, 2025 , Win , 59, to, 10

Completed Event: Football versus Troy on December 5, 2025 , Win , 31, to, 14

Upcoming Event: Football at No. 5 Oregon on December 20, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. PT)

James Madison University | Official Athletics Site

2004 Flashback: Connecting with champion Trey Townsend

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