The 2018 James Madison Dukes football team represented James Madison University during the 2018 NCAA Division I FCS football season. They were led by third-year head coach Mike Houston and played their home games at Bridgeforth Stadium. They were a member of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). They finished the season 9–4, 6–2 in CAA play to finish in second place. They received an at-large bid to the FCS Playoffs where they defeated Delaware in the first round before losing to Colgate in the second round.
On December 7, 2018, Mike Houston was formally announced and hired as the next coach of East Carolina, alongside nine staff members.[1]
Preseason
CAA Poll
In the CAA preseason poll released on July 24, 2018, the Dukes were predicted to win the CAA championship.[2]
Predicted finish
Team
Votes (1st place)
1
James Madison
241 (21)
2
New Hampshire
206 (2)
3
Delaware
182
4
Stony Brook
169
5
Elon
168 (1)
6
Villanova
164
7
Richmond
127
8
Maine
81
9
Albany
78
10
Towson
74
11
William & Mary
55
12
Rhode Island
39
Preseason All-CAA Team
The Dukes had six players selected to the preseason all-CAA team, including cornerback Rashad Robinson being selected as preseason defensive player of the year.