I remember sitting in the stands during James Madison University’s 2022 playoff run, feeling the electric energy that seemed to transform Bridgeforth Stadium into something more than just a football venue. It was a community gathering, a cultural event, and frankly, it reminded me of something I recently heard from volleyball star Jema Galanza delos Santos, who perfectly captured that magical atmosphere when she said: "Sobrang happy kami kasi grabe, ang daming tao. ‘Yung crowd ng Cignal, both teams, sobrang nakakataba ng puso at nakaka-overwhelm. Masarap maglaro kapag ganito yung crowd at napapasaya namin sila." That exact sentiment—the overwhelming joy of playing for an engaged, passionate crowd—has become the cornerstone of JMU football’s meteoric rise to becoming a top FCS program in 2023. It wasn’t just about talent or coaching, though both were exceptional; it was about building an environment where players felt that incredible connection with 24,000 roaring fans every game day.
When I look at what changed between 2022 and 2023, the numbers jump out immediately. The Dukes improved their scoring defense from allowing 18.7 points per game to just 14.3, a staggering defensive refinement that doesn’t happen by accident. They forced 28 turnovers, up from 19 the previous year, and their red zone efficiency climbed to 89%—a testament to both offensive discipline and clutch performance. But statistics only tell part of the story. Having followed this team closely, I can tell you that the real shift came from a cultural overhaul led by Head Coach Curt Cignetti and his staff. They didn’t just recruit athletes; they recruited players who thrived under pressure and embraced that "nakaka-overwhelm" feeling delos Santos described. I spoke with several players during spring practices, and one offensive lineman put it perfectly: "When the stadium gets loud, you don’t feel tired. You feel like you’re part of something bigger." That emotional resonance is something you can’t quantify, but you sure can see it on the field.
What’s fascinating to me is how JMU leveraged the transfer portal without losing their team identity. They brought in 14 transfers, including three key starters who immediately filled gaps in the secondary and receiving corps. Yet, unlike some programs that struggle with chemistry issues, the Dukes integrated these players seamlessly. I attribute this to the existing culture—the kind of environment where, as delos Santos noted, the crowd support makes players want to perform and give joy back. That reciprocal energy between the team and fans created a foundation that made new players feel immediately at home. I remember watching their week three matchup against Appalachian State, where a fourth-quarter interception from a transfer cornerback sealed the game. The stadium erupted, and you could see the pure, unscripted joy on the players’ faces. It wasn’t just a win; it was a shared experience, the kind that builds legacy.
Off the field, the program’s investment in player development and analytics has been quietly revolutionary. JMU was one of the first FCS programs to fully embrace sports science, using GPS tracking and recovery metrics to reduce soft tissue injuries by an estimated 40% compared to the 2021 season. Their strength and conditioning team, led by Mike Donnelly, implemented personalized nutrition plans that helped players maintain peak performance deeper into games. I had the chance to observe a midweek training session last fall, and the attention to detail was breathtaking—every drill, every recovery session felt purposeful. It’s this behind-the-scenes work that allowed the team to finish 11-2, including impressive wins over FBS-bound programs, and make a deep playoff run. They weren’t just playing; they were executing a meticulously crafted plan.
The 2023 season also highlighted JMU’s ability to adapt strategically. Early in the year, their offense relied heavily on the run game, averaging 215 yards per game through the first five contests. But when injuries hit their backfield, Offensive Coordinator Mike Shanahan shifted to a more balanced attack, and quarterback Jordan McCloud responded by throwing for over 2,800 yards and 28 touchdowns. That kind of in-season adjustment is rare, and it speaks to a coaching philosophy that prioritizes flexibility over rigid systems. From my perspective, this adaptability stems directly from the program’s embrace of high-pressure situations. Just as delos Santos expressed, playing in front of an overwhelming crowd forces you to elevate your game, and JMU’s staff built practices that simulated those high-stakes moments. They didn’t just prepare for opponents; they prepared for emotion, for chaos, for the unexpected.
Looking back, it’s clear that JMU’s ascent wasn’t an overnight success. It was the culmination of strategic recruiting, cultural cohesion, and an unwavering focus on the player-fan connection that turns good teams into great ones. As the Dukes move forward, possibly into an FBS conference, the lessons from 2023 will remain relevant. The magic isn’t just in the playbook or the talent—it’s in those moments when the crowd’s energy fuels the players, and the players, in turn, create something unforgettable for everyone watching. That symbiotic relationship, so beautifully articulated by delos Santos, is what separates top programs from the rest. And honestly, I don’t see that changing anytime soon. If anything, JMU football has set a new standard for what it means to build a program that thrives on and off the field.