JMU football, like every college football program this time of year, is highly engaged in the transfer portal as it looks to build its 2025 roster. While we have our transfer portal tracker available throughout this month, we also thought it might be helpful to occasionally share news and notes related to the portal. 

Here’s our Dec. 13 edition of “JMU Transfer Portal Intel.”

Transfer Visits

UNC offensive lineman Zach Greenberg, who began his career at the Division III level, tells us he plans to visit JMU. The interior lineman (he can play center or guard) has JMU firmly in the mix as a potential transfer destination. Western Kentucky, Bowling Green, and UMass have all also offered the physical blocker. 

Youngstown State defensive end Dawan Martin expects to visit JMU in January, he tells us. The FCS transfer has six TFLs and five sacks over the last two seasons, and he earned a PFF grade of 72.1 this season and 77.1 in 2023. He’s a good run defender and solid pass rusher. He’s never played more than 307 snaps in a single season, suggesting JMU could use him as a rotational defensive end. Western Kentucky, Miami (Ohio), and ECU are among teams recruiting the productive edge rusher. 

Savannah State punter Lexington Matthews is concluding his two-day visit to JMU today. The punter boomed 10 kicks over 50 yards last season. He’ll visit Arkansas State on Saturday.

Holy Cross safety Curtis Harris-Lopez has seemingly already visited JMU, posting that he received an offer from JMU with a picture of himself in a JMU jersey and helmet. Harris-Lopez made 56 tackles and 9.5 tackles for loss in 2024, scoring TDs on both defense and special teams. Given his connection to the coaching staff, the Dukes should have the inside track to landing the highly productive safety.

Kennesaw State tight end Carson Kent recently completed a visit to JMU. The tight end with numerous G5 offers caught 18 passes for 217 yards and three touchdowns this season for the Owls. He received a PFF grade of 57.5 in 2024, which is slightly above average. His 73 grade in 2023 was fantastic. He’s a capable blocker and receiver, and Kent has two years of eligibility remaining.

Window shopping?

Some fans have floated the idea that JMU players who enter the portal might do so to see their potential NIL value at other institutions. That idea was shot down on the most recent episode of Dave and Dobbs. 

“Chesney has been very clear that the guys who do decide to leave, they’re not welcome back,” center Tanner Morris said. “That’s a good philosophy to have. If you’re not willing to stick it out with these guys, then you shouldn’t be welcome back.”

Morris says a lot of guys might be disappointed with where they end up in the portal. LB Jacob Dobbs agreed, saying he wants to see a “massive overhaul” to the current system. He doesn’t think players should transfer 3+ times. 

Regardless of anyone’s feelings about the current state of college football, JMU head coach Bob Chesney has told his team that players entering the portal will lose their spot on the 2025 roster. If a player enters the portal, they won’t be a Duke next season.

QB a need?

With Dylan Morris, Billy Atkins and Brett Griffis not expected to be on the team in 2025, the Dukes need additional QB depth behind Alonza Barnett. We looked at 10 potential targets for JMU to look at in the portal, including a pair of former Holy Cross players. 

No quarterbacks have officially posted offers from JMU, but Dylan Morris’ signing last offseason came with minimal fanfare prior to the news breaking. Morris didn’t even physically visit JMU’s campus. It’s likely the Dukes are recruiting quarterbacks this offseason, even if we haven’t heard much about it.

Former Holy Cross and UNLV QB Matthew Sluka is a logical possibility, given that his best seasons came with OC Dean Kennedy coaching him at Holy Cross. Sluka’s value has dropped this offseason after he left UNLV during the season over an NIL dispute. If Sluka wants another chance at a G5 program, JMU could be a fit for the standout rushing QB. His passing inconsistency could keep him from landing a P4 starting job.  

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications