Duke or Dukes, College Football Playoff Could Take Wild Twist

The Duke Blue Devils and James Madison Dukes unexpectedly could have a major impact on the College Football Playoff field this weekend.
Duke or Dukes, College Football Playoff Could Take Wild Twist
Alonza Barnett III #14 of James Madison Dukes in action during a game against Washington State Cougars during the second half at Bridgeforth Stadium in Harrisonburg, Va., on Nov. 22, 2025. Brien Aho/Getty Images
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Normally synonymous with March Madness, the Duke Blue Devils could throw a wrench into the College Football Playoff (CFP) and let the James Madison Dukes waltz right in the door.

That’s among the March Madness-like scenarios facing the CFP committee in the coming days. Unlike the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, the committee only has 12 spots to work with. That includes four automatic bids from the top-four ranked conference champions, including one from the Group of Five leagues.

Matthew Davis
Matthew Davis
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Matthew Davis is an experienced, award-winning journalist who has covered major professional and college sports for years. His writing has appeared on Heavy, the Star Tribune, and The Catholic Spirit. He has a degree in mass communication from North Dakota State University.