JMU football hasn’t had an NFL player drafted since 2020. For a program wanting to contend for College Football Playoff appearances, developing more consistent draft picks feels like the next logical step for the Dukes to take.

Will it happen in 2026? Here’s a look at the Dukes with the best chances of being drafted by an NFL next spring.

Most likely NFL draft picks

Immanuel Bush, DT – At 6’1 and 315 lbs, Bush has NFL size and strength. He’s a proven run-stopper, with 34 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, and 1.5 sacks in 2024 to go with his 81.7 rushing defense grade on PFF. With a strong 2025 season, Bush should be in the mix to be drafted in the late rounds of the draft.

Nick DeGennaro, WR – The Richmond transfer started his career at Maryland, and he has enough size (6’1 and 190 lbs) to attract NFL attention. Coupled with his production — over 2,000 career yards at Richmond — DeGennaro has a chance to be picked if he stays healthy and produces in 2025. He’s a strong route runner and having a P4 background helps his cause.

Could blossom into draft picks with huge seasons

Patrick McMurtrie, OT – The knock against McMurtrie will be age and previous injuries, but it’s possible he warrants a late-round draft pick with a huge 2025. If he gets drafted, a team will want him to contribute immediately given that he’s older than most developmental prospects.

Zach Greenberg, OL – A former D3 stud, Greenberg played a few games for UNC last season. If he proves to be a capable FBS player, Greenberg could become a late-round pick given his ability to play guard and center.

Xavier Holmes, DE – The Maine transfer is listed at just 6’2 and 235 lbs on JMU’s spring roster, but his incredible motor (he played over 700 snaps at Maine in 2024) makes him an intriguing prospect. If he can threaten double-digit sacks at JMU in 2025 and showcase similar effort to what he put forward at Maine, Holmes deserves a long look from NFL scouts. He played the 2024 season at Maine at 245 lbs, suggesting he’ll likely bulk up a little over the summer.

Jobi Malary, RB – He’s 240 lbs and runs hard. The man rivals Holmes’ size and runs like a speedy linebacker. He’s a tank of a running back, and he averaged six yards a carry for JMU in 2024. If he receives a larger workload in 2025, Malary has NFL potential, especially if he can run a sub-4.6 40-yard dash at his size. We’ve heard rumblings that he’s competing for the RB2 job this offseason, as coaches are high on his ability to break tackles and avoid negative plays.

Chantz Harley, CB — Harley played well at Maryland in 2024, recording 16 tackles and posting a decent 66.2 PFF grade in 185 snaps. If the 6-1 corner starts at JMU and earns All-Sun Belt honors, he’ll get NFL interest.

Jacob Thomas, S — Thomas took a huge step in 2024, raising his PFF grade from 68.1 in 2023 to 80.8. He has decent size and speed and should start for the Dukes in 2025. If he continues his upward trajectory, he could have a pro future.

Longshots as of now

Ayo Adeyi, RB – Adeyi is only listed at 5-8, but he’s 195 lbs and runs physically. If healthy in 2025, he could generate NFL buzz. Missing most of the 2024 season with injury will create a red flag for some NFL teams, though.

Matthew Sluka, QB — Sluka isn’t a traditional quarterback, as his physical running style is the strength of his game. With improved accuracy — he completed less than 50% of his passes in a few 2024 games with UNLV — Sluka could potentially become a draftable player. More likely, however, is that his athleticism — could he play a Taysom Hill type role for teams? — gives him a chance via an undrafted free agent deal.

Trent Hendrick, LB — One of the defense’s leaders, Hendrick is a decent athlete but he’s yet to pop at the FBS level. He’s been solid every season, including 54 tackles and 9 TFLs last year, but he’s yet to truly dominate opponents. If he can have a dominant 2025 — think 100-ish tackles and 10+ TFLs — and test well at Pro Day, he could become an NFL option.

Mekhi Rodgers, CB — The St. Francis transfer is expected to play a big role for the Dukes in 2025. If he earns a starting job and earns All-Conference honors, it’s possible he creates NFL buzz.

Jaylan Sanchez, WR — A Villanova standout, Sanchez should have a chance to start in the slot with Yamir Knight transferring. A big season could bump him up NFL draft boards, especially considering he’s a bigger (6’0 and 200 lbs) slot than most G5 slot WRs.

JT Kouame-Yao, LB — We’re high on his athleticism, although JMU’s likely depth at LB could hinder his chance of making a D2 to FBS to NFL leap. It’ll be hard to put up crazy stats if the Dukes rotate 3-6 LBs regularly throughout each game. Still, we love Kouame-Yao’s potential and think he’s going to be an asset for JMU in 2025.

Josh Toner, OL – Toner’s NFL potential stems from his positional versatility. He’s played guard and tackle for JMU, and while he’d almost certainly be a guard at the NFL, teams should value his ability to play multiple positions. He has NFL size at 6-3 and 323 lbs, and his 64.4 PFF grade in 2024 was the best season-long grade of his career. He’ll need a stellar 2025 to be drafted, but another solid year could help him earn an undrafted free agent deal or at least receive a mini camp tryout.

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications