Wagner vs James Madison Picks and Prediction for Saturday September 12 2026

The Wagner Seahawks travel to Bridgeforth Stadium in Harrisonburg, Virginia, to face the James Madison Dukes on Saturday, September 12. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 PM ET on ESPN+. Wagner enters at 1-1 after beating Southern Connecticut State 31-7, while James Madison is 1-0 following a 20-13 victory over Liberty. This will be the first meeting between the programs. At the time of this writing the odds were not released. Before placing your wagers, check out our free college football picks for more predictions throughout the season.

Wagner Shows Major Improvement in Week 2

Wagner bounced back from its 28-7 season-opening loss to Robert Morris with a convincing 31-7 victory over Southern Connecticut State. The Seahawks generated 409 total yards, including 267 through the air, while holding Southern Connecticut State to only 146 yards and 28 rushing yards.

Benjamin Newman was excellent in his first career start, completing 23 of 33 passes for 267 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. Matt Morad added 83 rushing yards and a touchdown on 21 carries, while Teree McDonald led the receiving attack with 70 yards and a score. Wagner finished with 22 first downs and controlled possession for more than 33 minutes.

The Seahawks also recorded four sacks and forced a turnover. That’s an encouraging performance entering their first FBS matchup of the season, but James Madison represents an enormous increase in competition. Wagner needs Newman to continue protecting the football while finding enough success on the ground to avoid obvious passing situations.

James Madison Defense Leads Opening Victory

James Madison opened the Billy Napier era with a 20-13 victory over Liberty. The Dukes scored on each of their first four possessions and never trailed, then relied on their defense to preserve the seven-point victory during the fourth quarter.

J.C. Evans completed seven of nine passes for 61 yards and a touchdown while also leading James Madison with 69 rushing yards. Camden Coleman added 57 passing yards, while Seth Cromwell rushed four times for 51 yards. The Dukes generated 291 total yards, including 173 on the ground.

The defense was the bigger story. James Madison held Liberty to 91 rushing yards on 38 attempts and only 2.4 yards per carry. The Dukes now take a substantial drop in competition and remain at Bridgeforth Stadium, where their opener drew more than 25,000 fans. James Madison should have a significant advantage at the line of scrimmage against Wagner.

Wagner vs James Madison Picks and Prediction

Pick: James Madison -24.5 or Better

With conventional sportsbook odds not consistently posted, James Madison -24.5 or better is my target. Wagner’s 31-7 victory deserves respect, particularly Newman’s efficient performance, but Southern Connecticut State was held to 146 yards. James Madison just defeated an FBS opponent while limiting Liberty to 91 rushing yards, and the Dukes now remain home for a considerable drop in competition. If the spread opens below 25 points, take James Madison -24.5 or better.

Pick: Under 52.5

For the total, Under 52.5 is my preferred target. James Madison’s opener produced only 33 combined points, and the Dukes demonstrated the ability to control the ground game defensively. Wagner should find moving the football considerably more difficult than it did against Southern Connecticut State. James Madison can win comfortably without turning this into a high-possession shootout. Something around 38-10 or 41-7 fits the matchup. Take the Under if the total is set at 52.5 or higher.

Final Picks: James Madison -24.5 or better and Under 52.5 or higher