Upcoming Event: Football versus Liberty on September 5, 2026
FB
James Madison
vs Liberty
James Madison University | Official Athletics Site
Cole Johnson to Return for 2021 Football Season
5/18/2021 6:00:00 PM | Football
HARRISONBURG, Va. – James Madison quarterback Cole Johnson announced Tuesday that he will return to the Dukes for the upcoming 2021 football season. Johnson made his intent to opt in for a sixth season on Twitter.
This past season, Johnson started all eight games for the Dukes, helping them to a 7-1 record and a berth in the FCS semifinals. The Virginia Beach, Va., native threw for 1,633 yards on 109 of 166 pass attempts with 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 81 yards and a pair of scores.
Johnson led the country this spring in both pass efficiency rating (161.7) and yards per pass attempt (9.84) while ranking second in the FCS in yards per completion (14.98). He also ranked seventh nationally and second in the Colonial Athletic Association in completion percentage (.657) and led the conference in both passing touchdowns (11) and passing yards per game (204.1).
He ended the season strong, throwing for 726 yards and seven touchdowns over JMU's three FCS playoff games. That included passing for a season-best 271 yards and a career-high three touchdowns in the semifinals at Sam Houston.
Johnson graduated from JMU in 2019 with a bachelor's degree in management and is currently pursuing a master's certificate in cyber intelligence.
He and the Dukes get set for the 2021 football season, which kicks off on Saturday, Sept. 4 when they host Morehead State at Bridgeforth Stadium.
This past season, Johnson started all eight games for the Dukes, helping them to a 7-1 record and a berth in the FCS semifinals. The Virginia Beach, Va., native threw for 1,633 yards on 109 of 166 pass attempts with 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 81 yards and a pair of scores.
Johnson led the country this spring in both pass efficiency rating (161.7) and yards per pass attempt (9.84) while ranking second in the FCS in yards per completion (14.98). He also ranked seventh nationally and second in the Colonial Athletic Association in completion percentage (.657) and led the conference in both passing touchdowns (11) and passing yards per game (204.1).
He ended the season strong, throwing for 726 yards and seven touchdowns over JMU's three FCS playoff games. That included passing for a season-best 271 yards and a career-high three touchdowns in the semifinals at Sam Houston.
Johnson graduated from JMU in 2019 with a bachelor's degree in management and is currently pursuing a master's certificate in cyber intelligence.
He and the Dukes get set for the 2021 football season, which kicks off on Saturday, Sept. 4 when they host Morehead State at Bridgeforth Stadium.
Came too far to go out like that. After reconsidering, I will be coming back
— Cole Johnson (@cole_johnson7) May 18, 2021
to play my final year at JMU this Fall. Unfinished Business. Go Dukes 🐶 pic.twitter.com/SuBYNhGwKb
Players Mentioned
QB
/ FootballJMU Football | Jacob LaFrance 2026 National Signing Day Press Conference - Feb. 4, 2026
Wednesday, February 04
JMU Football | Billy Napier 2026 National Signing Day Press Conference - Feb. 4, 2026
Wednesday, February 04
JMU Football | CFP First Round Postgame Press Conference at Oregon - Dec. 20, 2205
Monday, December 22
JMU Football | No Regrets
Saturday, December 20
