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NCAA refuses state attorney general’s request for CFB team to be bowl eligible
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
NCAA president Charlie Baker told Virginia attorney general Jason Miyares that he was refusing his request to permit James Madison as bowl eligible for the 2023 season, according to Football Scoop.
Undefeated James Madison (6-0) is the current leader atop the Sun Belt standings and defeated the ACC’s Virginia, yet they can only reach a bowl if there aren’t enough other eligible programs.
This is because James Madison is still under the transition period from FCS to FBS and that brings a certain set of stipulations, per Baker’s letter to Miyares.
NCAA denies Virginia attorney general's request to make James Madison bowl eligible https://t.co/lQEGlSUFBo via @zach_barnett
— FootballScoop (@FootballScoop) October 19, 2023
“(T)he current two-year transition period was intended to provide adequate time for schools to demonstrate they have met the necessary requirements to become an FBS member and adjust to the increased requirements for student-athlete support in addition to FBS competition,” Baker said. “This timeline is intentional and membership-driven and applies to all schools that transition from (FCS) to (FBS).”
Baker goes on to explain that these tactics are in the best interest of the NCAA for the transition process.
“The Division I Board of Directors and council believe clear standards and timelines for reclassification purposes will promote strategic membership growth and allow uniform experience for all reclassifying institutions,” Baker said.
James Madison began in the Sun Belt in 2022 and has had a football team since 1972. Next up for the Dukes is a road contest at Marshall on Thursday.
