Report: James Madison, Jacksonville State, Tarleton State postseason waiver requests denied

The NCAA Division I Board Administration Committee has denied postseason waiver requests for three programs, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported. James Madison, Jacksonville State and Tarleton State all had their waivers denied by four committees on Wednesday.

JMU is the highest-profile of the three in the midst of an undefeated season. The Dukes have been one of the stories of college football this year as they continue their transition to Division I, and College GameDay will be in attendance for this week’s game against Appalachian State. Because James Madison is in its second year of D-I football, the program cannot compete in bowl games as it transitions, per NCAA rules.

The university made multiple attempts to convince the NCAA to grant it a waiver. Ultimately, though, James Madison won’t be able to participate in the Sun Belt Championship, but might be able to find a way into a bowl game if there aren’t enough bowl-eligible teams.

JMU also released a statement in light of the decision, expressing its disappointment.

“We’re saddened for our university community and, in particular, we’re devastated for our football program, the coaches, and the student-athletes who have orchestrated an amazing season and earned the opportunity,” the statement read.

A look at the fallout of the NCAA committee’s decision on James Madison’s bowl status

The efforts to get James Madison eligible for bowl games are ramped up over the last few weeks. The university sent a letter to the NCAA asking for relief from the rules keeping them out of bowl games. Over the last two years, the Dukes have totaled a 15-3 record against FBS teams since transitioning from FCS, and they noted that in the letter.

Of course, some of the bigger implications of the committee’s decision revolve around the College Football Playoff. Because James Madison can’t compete in the postseason, the Dukes can’t be ranked in the CFP top 25. If the waiver was granted, though, executive director Bill Hancock said JMU would be in consideration for the rankings because it could play in bowl games.

“Yeah, of course,” Hancock said when asked whether the committee will rank JMU immediately if it becomes bowl-eligible. “Just remember that the committee will rank any team that is eligible for postseason.”

Hancock was asked to clarify that remark, and the answer remained the same.

“Yes,” he said. “The committee will rank any team — I don’t want to be a smart-aleck here, but the fact is the committee will rank any team that’s eligible for postseason.”