It’s the second iteration of our JMU football roster depth chart prediction during the transfer portal cycle. We’re starting to gain more clarity about the roster, with OT Patrick McMurtrie announcing his intention to return and WR Cam Ross entering the portal.

Oh, and the Dukes added two starting caliber QBs via the portal! Let’s take a stab at what the Dukes might look like on paper as of mid-January.

Starting offense

QB1: Camden Coleman or Matthew Sluka
QB3: JC Evans
Possible RS: Alonza Barnett III

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

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

WR(Z): Nick DeGennaro
WR2 (Z): Jaylan Sanchez

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

TE1: Logan Kyle
TE2: Josh Phifer or Lacota Dippre

LT1: Jeremiah Mawali
LT2: Joseph Simmons

LG1: Carter Sweazie
LG2: Josh Toner

C1: Zach Greenberg
C2: Kyle Davis

RG1: Riley Robell
RG2: Quincy Jenkins

RT1: Patrick McMurtrie
RT2: Griffin Hart

With Barnett suffering a serious leg injury, it’s possible he sits out the entire 2025 season and takes a medical redshirt. That would leave the team in the hands of Coleman or Sluka, with Evans also in the mix after an impressive freshman season as a reserve. Evans should benefit tremendously from a year learning from Sluka, especially. Both players have similarly great abilities as power runners.

At receiver, the addition of Richmond’s Nick DeGennaro means the Dukes could start two former Spiders at receiver this fall. It could also make it harder for Za’Ron Collins and Dylan Williams to see consistent playing time, as Ellis, DeGennaro, Sanchez, and Knight should eat up a ton of snaps.

Along the offensive line, McMurtrie’s return coupled with the addition of DII standout Jeremiah Mawali gives the Dukes increased clarity at the tackle positions. At running back, there shouldn’t be many surprises. All four guys will play.

Starting defense

DE: Xavier Holmes
DE2: Aiden Gobaira

DT: Immanuel Bush
DT2: Terry Lockett

DT: Mychal McMullin
DT2: Kells Bush

DE: Amar Thomas
DE2: Sahir West

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 or Antonio McGill

S: Curtis Harris-Lopez
S2: Kye Holmes or Tyler Brown

CB: Chantz Harley
CB2: Justin Eaglin

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

Cornerback Jamir Conn switched his commitment to Nebraska since the first roster projection, meaning we’ll shake up our CB projection. The Dukes are still recruiting options at corner, as that position looks the least set in stone of any on the defense, although Chauncey Logan and Justin Eaglin are capable returners. 

Holy Cross transfer Curtis Harris-Lopez becomes an immediate starter at safety, and he should pair well with Thomas. William & Mary transfer safety Antonio McGill will be in the mix to rotate in the defensive backfield.

Notre Dame transfer defensive end Aiden Gobaira also breaks into our two deep and should compete for time, if he’s fully recovered from his ACL issues. JMU could still use depth along the defensive front, especially at defensive tackle.

Cornerback, defensive end, and defensive tackle look like the three positions across the roster most in need of transfer help. It’s possible, however, that returning players and freshmen can fill those gaps. The Dukes’ starting defense looks dynamic on paper.

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications