2025 Football Team to Receive Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Sportsperson of the Year Award

PORTSMOUTH, Va. – The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame announced Tuesday that the 2025 James Madison football program will be the recipient of the Sportsperson of the Year Award during the Hall's 2026 Induction Weekend, presented by the Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority.

The Dukes will receive the award on Saturday, April 25 at the Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa/Short Pump in Richmond, Va.

"Traditionally, this award honors an outstanding individual," VSHF Executive Director Bruce Rader said. "But the extraordinary accomplishments of the 2025 James Madison team rose above every other performance in Virginia sports this year."

JMU turned in one of the most historic football seasons in Virginia sports history in 2025. In just their fourth season competing at the Football Bowl Subdivision level and second as a full-fledged FBS program, the Dukes went 12-2 overall, captured the 2025 Sun Belt Football Championship and earned the Commonwealth's first berth into the College Football Playoff.

The Dukes finished the 2025 season ranking #19 in the AP Top 25 and #20 in the US LBM Coaches Poll, which marked the first time JMU ended an FBS campaign in either top 25.

In the final national ranking summary, JMU finished second in time of possession (34:13), fourth in first downs allowed (14.6), fourth in both blocked kicks (4) and blocked punts (3), fifth in total defense (266.6), rushing defense (85.1) and offensive touchdowns (64), sixth in both rushing offense (241.5) and third down defense (29.4%), ninth in both scoring offense (37.1) and yards per rush (5.5) and 10th in defensive touchdowns (3).

In a Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Release, it stated: Beyond the championships and milestones, the 2025 Dukes galvanized a statewide fan base, elevated the national profile of Virginia football, and embodied the highest ideals of teamwork, leadership, and perseverance. For a season that inspired the Commonwealth and redefined what is possible, the entire 2025 James Madison football team stands as a deserving recipient of the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Sportsperson of the Year Award.

JMU will be recognized alongside members of the Class of 2026: Tony Bennett, Grant Hill, Marcellus "Boo" Williams, Michael Vick, Wally Walker, Kristy Toliver, Terry Driscoll and Roland Lazenby.

Tickets to the event are available at vasportshof.com.

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