The James Madison Dukes (5-0) visit the Georgia Southern Eagles (2-3) on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at Allen E. Paulson Stadium, Statesboro, GA. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET, and the game airs on ESPNU. DraftKings lists the spread at JMU -8.5 with a total of 53.5; moneylines are James Madison -360 · Georgia Southern +285. Below is our James Madison vs Georgia Southern preview with the latest odds, point spread, moneyline, over/under, kickoff time, TV channel and where to watch, plus a look at each team’s season so far, head coach and key players. Lines may move before kickoff.
James Madison vs Georgia Southern Odds, Spread, Kickoff Time & TV
| Matchup detail | Line / info |
|---|---|
| Matchup | James Madison at Georgia Southern |
| Records | James Madison 5-0 · Georgia Southern 2-3 |
| Spread | JMU -8.5 |
| Moneyline | James Madison -360 · Georgia Southern +285 |
| Total | 53.5 |
| Venue | Allen E. Paulson Stadium, Statesboro, GA |
| Date/Time | Saturday, October 10, 2026 · 7:30 PM ET |
| TV / How to Watch | ESPNU |
| Head Coaches | James Madison: HC Billy Napier, OC Cam Aiken · Georgia Southern: HC Clay Helton, OC Ryan Aplin |
James Madison Preview: Season So Far, Coach & Key Players
Season so far: The James Madison Dukes are 5-0 overall, 2-0 in Sun Belt play. Results to date: Sep 5 — W 20-13 vs Liberty; Sep 12 — W 87-3 vs Wagner; Sep 19 — W 26-13 at San Diego State; Sep 26 — W 46-20 at Old Dominion; Oct 3 — W 45-17 vs Marshall. Most recently, James Madison beat Marshall 45-17 at home. Through 5 games, James Madison is averaging 44.8 points scored and 13.2 points allowed per game.
Head coach: Billy Napier (first season in charge). Offensive coordinator: Cam Aiken. Defensive coordinators: Robert Bala / Josh Linam.
Key players (2026 season stats):
- Passing leader: Camden Coleman (QB) — 80/127, 979 yards, 10 TD, 1 INT
- Rushing leader: George Pettaway (RB) — 74 carries, 497 yards, 6 TD
- Receiving leader: Corey Scott (WR) — 21 receptions, 289 yards, 4 TD
- Sacks leader: JT Hooten (LB) — 2.5 sacks
- Tackles leader: Nakian Jackson (LB) — 40 total tackles
Strengths: An unbeaten 5-0 start; an offense scoring 44.8 points per game; a defense allowing only 13.2 points per game. Questions: Handling a road trip to Allen E. Paulson Stadium.
Georgia Southern Preview: Season So Far, Coach & Key Players
Season so far: The Georgia Southern Eagles are 2-3 overall, 1-0 in Sun Belt play. Results to date: Sep 5 — W 31-0 vs Charleston Southern; Sep 12 — L 22-7 at Clemson; Sep 19 — L 31-27 at Jacksonville State; Sep 26 — L 42-28 vs Houston; Oct 3 — W 31-24 at Coastal Carolina. Most recently, Georgia Southern beat Coastal Carolina 31-24 on the road. Through 5 games, Georgia Southern is averaging 24.8 points scored and 23.8 points allowed per game.
Head coach: Clay Helton (head coach since 2022). Offensive coordinator: Ryan Aplin. Defensive coordinator: Mike Mutz.
Key players (2026 season stats):
- Passing leader: Max Johnson (QB) — 122/186, 1,229 yards, 8 TD, 1 INT
- Rushing leader: David Mbadinga (RB) — 37 carries, 227 yards
- Receiving leader: Alex Taylor (WR) — 16 receptions, 243 yards, 3 TD
- Sacks leader: Anthony Bynum (LB) — 2 sacks
- Tackles leader: Jakyri Jones (DB) — 29 total tackles
Strengths: Momentum from a 31-24 win at Coastal Carolina. Questions: Holding serve at Allen E. Paulson Stadium against James Madison.
How to Watch James Madison vs Georgia Southern
- Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
- Kickoff: 7:30 PM ET
- Venue: Allen E. Paulson Stadium, Statesboro, GA
- TV / Streaming: ESPNU
Odds: DraftKings lines reported via ESPN on October 5, 2026. Lines may move before kickoff. Records, results and season stats via ESPN; coaching staffs per 2026 staff listings. This page is an informational matchup preview only.