We can throw this in the “way-too-early” category of JMU football coverage, but readers have repeatedly asked for this specific piece of content. It’s certainly early for it, but here’s our projected 2025 JMU football depth chart.

This will change significantly in the coming months, but this would be our stab at projecting the roster as it currently stands. The Dukes still have transfer additions to make, which will shift this. We expect significant competition at multiple spots, including some of the most important on the roster — like quarterback.

Also, does RT Patrick McMurtrie have another year of eligibility? Could QB Billy Atkins come back for one final season? There are a lot of unanswered questions about the roster. Here’s our guess at a depth chart, as the roster stands.

Offense

QB1: Alonza Barnett
QB2: JC Evans/Billy Atkins?

RB1: George Pettaway
RB2: Ayo Adeyi
RB3: Wayne Knight or Jobi Malary

WR(X): Za’Ron Collins
WR2 (X): Dylan Williams

WR(Z): Cam Ross
WR2 (Z): Landon Ellis

WR(slot): Yamir Knight
WR2(slot): Michael Scott

TE1: Logan Kyle
TE2: Josh Phifer or Lacota Dippre

LT1: Joseph Simmons
LT2: Trent Wilson

LG1: Carter Sweazie
LG2: Josh Toner

C1: Zach Greenberg
C2: Kyle Davis

RG1: Riley Robell
RG2: Quincy Jenkins

RT1: Patrick McMurtrie?
RT2: Griffin Hart

JMU still needs help at just about every position except running back. The Dukes could use a starting caliber quarterback because of Barnett’s leg injury, which could sideline him into the 2025 season.

At receiver, the Dukes added Collins and Ellis via the portal. They could still benefit from another transfer, but the incoming high school class looks good. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Michael Scott become an immediate impact player.

The Dukes are solid at tight end. The offensive line could use tackle depth, but the interior of the line looks solid. If McMurtrie returns, we’d expect the offensive line to be a Power Four caliber group next season.

Barnett’s health — or the quality of his replacement if he can’t start the 2025 season — will determine this group’s ceiling.

Defense

DE: Xavier Holmes
DE2: Sahir West

DT: Immanuel Bush
DT2: Terry Lockett

DT: Mychal McMullin
DT2: Kells Bush

DE: Amar Thomas
DE2: Jerald James

LB: Trent Hendrick
LB2: Trashon Dye

LB: Gannon Weathersby
LB2: JT Kouame-Yao

CB: Chauncey Logan
CB2: Mekhi Rodgers

Nickel: DJ Barksdale
Nickel2: KJ Flowe

S: Jacob Thomas
S2: Chase Regan

S: Tyler Brown
S2: Kye Holmes

CB: Jamir Conn
CB2: Chantz Harley

LS: Jack Mowrey or Logan Ketcham
K: Noe Ruelas
P: Lexington Matthews

The defense, barring massive changes, will be a wagon in 2025. If coordinator Lyle Hemphill stays in Harrisonburg — the coaching carousel is far from over — he has an embarrassment of riches to work with, especially in the secondary.

JMU could still use more pieces at every position, but it’s hard to argue with the starting unit. Holmes was a stud at Maine and will help replace Eric O’Neill, and Immanuel Bush is one of the Sun Belt’s best run defenders.

The Dukes’ starting linebackers look ferocious, although adding another starting caliber player at the position would be a huge benefit. Still, Trashon Dye has high upside and JT Kouame-Yao is a Swiss army knife who can rush the passer and drop in coverage.

The secondary looks to be an athletic and game-changing unit, especially compared to Group of Five peers. Jacob Thomas, DJ Barksdale, Tyler Brown, and Chauncey Logan all posted season-long PFF grades over 70 in 2024, with Thomas (80) and Barksdale (77.1) both over 75, which is far above average nationally. Conn, a transfer from Southern Illinois, graded above 70 and had 57 tackles last fall.

Hemphill’s defense should force turnovers at a high rate again, and the defensive front could be dominant if it adds another experienced DT and DE. 

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications