Overview
- James Madison earned the final at-large berth as the No. 12 seed after a 12-1 season and Sun Belt title, entering the postseason on an 11-game win streak.
- No. 5 Oregon will host the first-round matchup on Dec. 20 at 4:30 p.m. PT at Autzen Stadium, airing on TNT/HBO Max.
- The winner advances to face No. 4 Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl, with the loser eliminated.
- Oddsmakers list Oregon as roughly a 20–21 point favorite, reflecting expectations of a significant talent and depth edge.
- JMU coach Bob Chesney will lead the Dukes in Eugene before departing for UCLA, as Oregon benefits from extra rest while JMU turns around from its conference title game.