Earlier this week, we asked our readers if they had any questions about JMU sports. Considering this week’s football transfer news (Dukes adding Richmond QB Camden Coleman and Holy Cross/UNLV QB Matthew Sulka), it’s surprising that all of the questions we received were football-related. Not.
As a result, here’s a quick look at the mid-January JMU football mailbag.
Next year’s football schedule feels like if the Dukes go a perfect 13-0 and win the Sun Belt, they could not only advance to the CFP, but potentially be a 12th seed or higher. do. It should be a great season, but am I crazy to think so? — Don Palumbo
13 wins and 0 losses would be really great. JMU will play its usual Sun Belt East foes: Texas State, Louisiana, Liberty, Louisville, Washington State and Weber State. This is a great schedule of 12 games for a group of five teams.
And yes, if the Dukes win 13-0 on the road, which is expected to be a competitive team in Louisville, they could end up ranked higher than No. 12. The Sun Belt has a solid schedule, with Louisiana and Texas State in particular expected to be the best teams in the West. Washington State lost a lot this offseason, including their coach, but it’s still a nice win. Liberty also should be among the best teams in CUSA in 2025 with head coach Jamie Chadwell (21-5 with Flames).
JMU’s strength of schedule is much better in 2025 compared to 2024, so a 12-1 league championship (11-2 depending on losses) would put the Dukes in the College Football Playoff. There is a possibility that you will be in a position where you can advance. If they can secure a spot with a 13-0 record, they could earn a top-10 seed.
We picked up two great QBS in the portal with Alonza and JC on the roster. I don’t want any of them to go anywhere, but in the case of Spring Portal, who would I fear losing? – Alex
Given Alonza Barnett’s injury status (he suffered a knee injury late in the 2024 season and could miss the 2025 season), it’s unlikely he’ll be moved during the spring. He would have to change his rehab process, and most high-level college programs don’t actively offer scholarships to injured Group 5 quarterbacks. Barnett’s goal for 2025 will be to get healthy and ready for 2026.
As for JC Evans, he’s just a redshirt freshman heading into 2025. With limited game tape, I expect him to remain in Harrisonburg next season. Is there a better program than JMU to give an up-and-coming redshirt freshman a chance to start with one career path? Probably not.
Don’t lose any sleep over Evans’ future in Harrisonburg either. Sulka’s college career is over after this season, and either Coleman or Barnett could transfer ahead of the 2026 season. Evans should compete for a starting spot in future seasons, but given the experience of Sulka and Coleman, it’s unlikely he’ll start in 2025. Evans has shown promise in 2024, and the coaching staff should prioritize his development during the offseason. He has a bright future.
If you could add any player from the past to the 2025 JMU football roster, who would it be (one on offense, one on defense)? – Alex
Fun questions! I’m on the younger side so I’ll stick to more recent options, but Gary Clark and Charles Haley are the obvious answers.
On the offensive side, I would like to add Aaron Stinney. The former JMU offensive tackle was named an FCS All-American in 2016 and 2017 and has remained on an NFL roster since graduation. He also won a Super Bowl with Tom Brady and the Bucs. Stinney will strengthen the left side of JMU’s offensive line, given the departures of left tackles Tyshawn Wyatt and Jesse Ramil.
Defensively, he ranks between Jimmy Moreland and John Daka. Moreland was an interception machine at JMU, scoring a program-best 18 during his career. Imagine him in Lyle Hemphill’s turnover-focused scheme.
But I’ll go with Daka. JMU lost Kairi Manns to graduation, and primary defensive end Xavier Holmes should fill the void left by Eric O’Neal, but the Dukes lack an obvious speed rusher. John Daka appears. The athletic player had a whopping 28 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks in 2019, which were single-season program records. He would have been a problem in the Sun Belt and I think he’s one of the most underrated JMU players of the last decade. Jaylen Green would also be a good fit in this pass rush role.
Are there any holes left in this roster? – Dallas
The Dukes could still use help at cornerback, defensive end, defensive tackle and linebacker. I’m not sure there’s a clear need at any position, but I have the most questions about cornerback.
At the end of 2024, Terrence Spence, Ray Williams, and Jordan Taylor were all receiving significant snaps at cornerback. All three have graduated. Adding Chants Hurley, a transfer from Maryland, and Mekhi Rogers, a transfer from St. Francis State, would help the position, but Jamil Conn, who had a verbal commitment, ended up signing with Nebraska. . Returners Chauncey Logan and Justin Eaglin have been inconsistent in 2024, so adding another veteran corner would add much-needed competition at the position.
It may be a cliché, but the outcome of the game is decided in the trenches. Adding another defensive tackle should be one of the top priorities in the spring. You can never have too much talent on the defensive line, and I’m worried about how the Dukes will replace Chris Fitzgerald.
Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications
