James Madison and Western Kentucky Set for Boca Raton Bowl Clash

James Madison seeks its first bowl win in program history, while Western Kentucky faces roster challenges from transfer portal departures.

James Madison (8-4) will play in its second-ever FBS bowl game, aiming for its first victory after losing last year to Air Force in the Armed Forces Bowl.
Western Kentucky (8-5) enters the game with a depleted roster, as 27 players have entered the transfer portal, though star quarterback Caden Veltkamp will still play.
James Madison will rely on backup quarterback Billy Atkins, as starter Alonza Barnett III is sidelined with an injury sustained in the regular season finale.
Western Kentucky has a strong bowl game history under coach Tyson Helton, holding a 4-1 bowl record, but is coming off a heavy loss in the Conference USA championship game.
The game will mark the first-ever meeting between the two teams and James Madison's first game in Florida in 24 years, with kickoff set for December 18 at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Florida.