Old Dominion vs James Madison Prediction & Betting Tips for Week 4 on 9/26/2026

The James Madison Dukes are set to take on the Old Dominion Monarchs in Week 4 of the 2026 regular season. This game will take place at S.B. Ballard Stadium in Norfolk, VA on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Fans can catch the live action on ESPN+ as the Dukes aim to extend their perfect 3-0 start.

James Madison enters the game with an impressive 3-0 record, including a 1-0 mark on the road. Their recent victory over San Diego State with a 26-13 scoreline showcased their ability to perform under pressure away from home. The Dukes have shown balanced prowess in both passing and rushing yards across their early season games.

Old Dominion, meanwhile, holds a 1-2 record and will be eager to rebound in front of their home fans. After a narrow 20-17 loss to East Carolina last week, the Monarchs will be looking to leverage their home-field advantage. With both teams being part of the Sun Belt Conference, this encounter is pivotal for setting the tone in their conference campaigns.

Old Dominion vs James Madison At a Glance

• Venue: S.B. Ballard Stadium in Norfolk, VA
• Game Time: Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 6:00 PM
• Broadcast: Available on ESPN+
• James Madison Dukes Record: 3-0 this season
• Old Dominion Monarchs Record: 1-2 this season
• Odds: James Madison favored with a spread of -5.5

Monarchs in the Spotlight: Old Dominion's Key Matchup

Offensive Overview

The Old Dominion Monarchs are looking to refine their offensive strategy this season. They have scored 69 points so far, ranking 61st nationally. Despite being ranked 113th in passing yards, their rushing game stands strong at 62nd with 509 yards.

Quarterback Quinn Henicle leads the offensive charge with 424 passing yards over three games. Devin Roche, the team's leading rusher, has contributed significantly with 192 rushing yards, positioning the ground game as a focal point for the Monarchs.

Defensive Strategy

On the defensive end, Old Dominion has allowed 74 points, placing them 52nd in the rankings. The team has excelled in generating pressure, achieving 12 sacks to rank 3rd nationally. Additionally, their ability to create turnovers is impressive, with five fumbles recovered and one interception, both ranked 2nd.

The Monarchs' defense will be key in upcoming games, as their ability to disrupt the opposition can shift momentum in their favor. Maintaining this defensive strength could prove pivotal as they aim to secure more wins.

Recent Performance

In their recent games, Old Dominion has a 1-2 record. They secured a 31-10 victory against Norfolk State but fell short against East Carolina with a close 20-17 loss at home. The team also faced a challenging defeat on the road against Virginia Tech, losing 44-21.

Consistent performances at home could bolster their confidence as they continue their season. Learning from past games, both wins and losses, will be crucial for future success.

Key Players to Watch

Quinn Henicle's leadership as a starting quarterback is crucial for Old Dominion's offensive efforts. He has delivered three touchdown passes this season, showing potential for impactful plays. Wide receiver TJ Johnson has been effective, scoring two receiving touchdowns and registering 48 receiving yards over two games.

On the ground, Devin Roche remains a significant threat, while on defense, the Monarchs look to capitalize on their strong ability to recover fumbles and sack the quarterback. Players like Nathanial Eichner, the kicker, have also shown consistency by successfully making seven extra points.

Old Dominion Top Betting Trends

• SU - Totals ≥ 50: 6-0 in the last 6 games
• SU - As Favorite: 10-2 in the last 12 games
• SU - Home Games: 7-1 in the last 8 games
• O/U - As Underdog: 3-0 in the last 3 games
• SU - After Win: 8-2 in the last 10 games
• ATS - Away Games: 19-9 in the last 28 games
• ATS - As Underdog: 16-7 in the last 23 games
• SU - All Games: 10-4 in the last 14 games
• ATS - After Win: 18-11 in the last 29 games
• O/U - After Loss: 7-3 in the last 10 games

The Dukes' Quest for Dominance: James Madison Takes the Field

Quarterback Performance

Camden Coleman stands as the key player in the quarterback position for the Dukes, showcasing his skills in three games this season. With 474 passing yards and three touchdowns, he is maintaining strong performance metrics. Notably, he has yet to throw an interception this season.

Supporting Coleman is JC Evans, who played in one game, throwing for 61 yards and a touchdown. Evans remains questionable for upcoming games due to a wrist injury, which could impact the Dukes' depth at quarterback.

Rushing Attack

The Dukes' rushing game is led by Nick Herman and George Pettaway, who have accumulated 195 and 169 rushing yards respectively. Herman has demonstrated versatility with two rushing touchdowns and 40 receiving yards on four receptions. Pettaway leads the team with four rushing touchdowns, contributing significantly to the Dukes' ground game.

Other contributors in the backfield include Seth Cromwell and Phoenix Donghia, who have added depth with their rushing efforts. Cromwell has managed 54 rushing yards over two games, while Donghia has added 23 yards in his single game appearance.

Receiving Corps

Corey Scott and Braeden Wisloski anchor the wide receiver position for James Madison, with Scott leading in receptions (12) and receiving yards (128). Wisloski supports with eight receptions and 126 yards, providing a reliable target for Coleman. The receiving unit has seen contributions from Michael Scott and Miles Halbert, the latter making a notable impact with a 44-yard reception and a touchdown.

Tight end Cole Keller plays a crucial role, offering six receptions for 97 yards and two touchdowns. His contributions in the red zone have been vital for the Dukes' scoring opportunities.

Team Betting Trends

• SU - All Games: Last 14 Games (2025–2026) → 14-0 (100.0%)
• SU - As Favorite: Last 14 Games (2025–2026) → 14-0 (100.0%)
• SU - Away Games: Last 6 Games (2025–2026) → 6-0 (100.0%)
• ATS - All Games: Last 3 Games (2026) → 3-0 (100.0%)
• O/U - Totals ≥ 50: Last 6 Games (2025–2026) → 5-1 (83.3%)

Old Dominion vs James Madison Prediction: James Madison -5.5

James Madison has showcased remarkable form, entering this game with a flawless 3-0 record. Their offensive lineup has been one of the best, ranking 16th in points scored this season. Coupled with a strong defense, which ranks 12th in points allowed, they look formidable heading into the game against Old Dominion.

Old Dominion, on the other hand, has struggled to find consistency, evident from their 1-2 record. With a home defense ranked only 52nd in points allowed, they may face challenges containing the Dukes' aggressive offense. Historically, Old Dominion has found it challenging to compete against James Madison, losing their previous encounters.

The odds favor James Madison, with the Dukes being -5.5 point favorites on the road. Given their current form and past dominance over Old Dominion, they are well-positioned to cover the spread. The Dukes' recent performances, both offensively and defensively, suggest they have the upper hand in this contest.

Taking all factors into account, James Madison is the safer pick to cover the spread. With their recent momentum and Old Dominion's defensive vulnerabilities, a projected final score of James Madison 34 - Old Dominion 17 aligns with the prediction.

• Old Dominion vs James Madison Prediction: James Madison -5.5
• Old Dominion vs James Madison Score: James Madison 34 - Old Dominion 17

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