The transfer portal officially opens on Monday, which means some of JMU’s best players from 2024 could be on their way elsewhere. Which of the Dukes’ 2024 standouts with remaining eligibility should the program prioritize retaining? Here’s a list of 10 players I consider the most valuable possible returners. 

If JMU can keep five or more of these 10 players on its 2025 roster, I’d consider that a win.

1. Eric O’Neill, DE

How’s 49 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks sound? Pretty good, if you’re a Power Four recruiter. O’Neill earned First Team All-Sun Belt honors for dominating opponents in 2024, and his PFF grade of 90 ranks in the top 10 nationally for his position.

Keeping O’Neill will be the biggest challenge of JMU’s offseason. The LIU transfer is a future NFL player.

2. George Pettaway, RB

Pettaway surpassed 1,000 total yards in his first season with the Dukes, showcasing why UNC landed him out of high school. Given his speed, quickness, and receiving skills, Pettaway will draw interest from Power Four teams.

If Pettaway returns to JMU, he’ll be a focal point in the offense alongside RB Ayo Adeyi (expected to return) and others.

3. Alonza Barnett, QB

Fans were critical of Barnett this season, but the statistics largely speak for themselves. He threw 26 touchdowns and just four interceptions, going over 3,000 total yards and reaching the end zone seven times as a runner. His PFF grade is just above 70, which isn’t elite, but he was still one of the better QBs in the Group of Five and an above average FBS QB in his first season as a starter. His athleticism could interest other programs, although his mistakes (taking too many sacks and ill-timed fumbles) could scare off P4 teams and allow JMU to bring back its starting QB for a second full season as a starter.

4. Jacob Thomas, S

A PFF grade just over 80 helps illustrate Thomas’ stardom. He led the JMU defense with 725 snaps played, recording 69 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and three interceptions. If Thomas returns, he’ll be a leader and standout player for what could be the best Group of Five defense in the country in 2025.

5. DJ Barksdale, DB

Barksdale played 638 defensive snaps for the Dukes, second only to Thomas. He’s a trusted DB who stops the run physically and can cover in space. He caught a pair of interceptions this season, trailing only Thomas (3) and Terrence Spence (5) in the category. With a PFF grade of 75.3 and multiple seasons of eligibility left, Barksdale’s return would be massive for the Dukes.

6. Immanuel Bush, DT

Reliable 315-pound defensive tackles don’t grow on trees. With a PFF grade of 74.2, including a rushing defense grade over 80, Bush is one of the Sun Belt’s best interior defenders. He’s a run stuffer with pass rushing upside. He would anchor JMU’s defensive line in 2025, if the Dukes keep the big man.

7. Trent Hendrick, LB

With Jacob Dobbs, Taurus Jones, and Ray Scott leaving, keeping Trent Hendrick should be a priority for the Dukes. Both a good player (54 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and three sacks) and a vocal leader, Hendrick could be the heart and soul of the Dukes’ defense in 2025. Having him and Thomas as leaders would be significant.

8. Carter Sweazie, OL

Sweazie’s 74.4 PFF grade is the highest of any JMU offensive lineman who played at least 200 snaps and can return to the team in 2025. He’s a stud at left tackle, and he’s particularly effective paired in a rotation with other guards Josh Toner and Riley Robell. If the Dukes return that trio, they could be scary in the middle of their offensive line. Returning OL Jesse Ramil, who played left tackle this season, will also be of importance.

9. Yamir Knight, WR

Knight led the team with 49 catches for 567 yards, breaking out as a sophomore. He’s a reliable slot receiver who can test defenses on short, intermediate, and deep passes. If the Dukes return Knight, Cam Ross, and Dylan Williams in 2025, the receiving unit could be one of the Sun Belt’s best.

10. Noe Ruelas, K

For a team hoping to be in the College Football Playoff conversation in 2025, reliable kickers prove valuable in close games. Ruelas made 14 of his 16 field goals in 2025, including 7 of his 9 attempts beyond 40 yards. He’s a future pro.

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications