JMU football’s 2026 recruiting class is starting to take shape — at least for now, as high school recruiting classes can rapidly shift in the modern era of college football. Regardless, let’s keep tabs on which players the Dukes are bringing in via the high school ranks. 

JMU football’s 2026 HS class

This list is subject to change, and we’ll track JMU’s decommitments as well. 

Offense

Rocco Marriott, QB (Missouri) — Marriott’s game is similar to Matthew Sluka’s, as the 6’4 and 205-pound prospect runs the ball exceptionally well. He can sling it, too. Adding the 3-star QB feels like a recruiting steal for JMU, as UNLV headlined other programs recruiting the gunslinger. 

Jonah Smith, OL (Delaware) — A potential diamond in the rough, the 6-foot-4 offensive lineman from Delaware picked JMU over offers from FBS teams like Army, Ball State, and Air Force. His length (80-inch wingspan) suggests he could develop into a promising prospect at tackle. The Daily News-Record spoke with Smith about his commitment.

Jesse Giddings, OL (Massachusetts) — At 6’3 and 305 lbs, Giddings has the body to quickly transition to the college level. He’s an interior offensive lineman, and like Smith, might be a diamond in the rough. The majority of his initial offers came from FCS teams, but the Dukes saw enough to want to bring Giddings to Harrisonburg.

Trace Burney, WR (Florida) — Any addition from Florida should come with intrigue for fans, given the absurd levels of talent in the Sunshine State at the high school level. Burney, a smaller receiver at 5-9 and 165 lbs, figures to play slot at the FBS level. Georgia Southern and Arkansas State were among the FBS schools competing for his commitment.

Ben Whitver, WR (Virginia) — A coveted 3-star prospect, Whitver received offers from Penn State, UNLV, Wake Forest, and several other high-level G5 programs. The Powhatan native landed on JMU, as Bob Chesney and company keep the 6’2 and 195-pound WR in the state. 

Max Roche, TE (Florida) — The 6’4 and 240-pound tight end received numerous Sun Belt and G5 offers, including from service academies. He’ll join JMU for the 2026 season.

Jack Harris, OL (New Jersey) — Harris plays his football at Bergen Catholic, where former JMU LB coach Zach Sparber (now at Rutgers) coached earlier in his career. It’s one of the top HS football programs in New Jersey. The 6’3 and 305-pound prospect was also heavily recruited by Old Dominion, but he picked the Dukes over the Monarchs.

Phoenix Donghia, RB (Florida) — At 5’11 and 225 lbs, Donghia has a wonderful blend of power, speed, and elusiveness. UNC, App State, and ODU were among the other programs to offer Donghia, who shows great vision when he runs.

Defense

Micah Williams, S (Georgia) — One of the gem’s of JMU’s current 2026 class, the 6-foot and 200-pound defensive back is a 3-star prospect who held offers from schools like UNC and Georgia Tech. Given his size and athleticism, Williams could develop into an immediate contributor at the G5 level.

Christopher Bispham, DL (North Carolina) — A defensive tackle/end, Bispham lists himself as 6’2 and 275 lbs on social media. He fits the mold of a productive (albeit slightly undersized) defensive tackle that JMU likes to recruit. East Carolina and ODU were among the other programs recruiting Bispham. 

Jase Rhodes, CB (Virginia) — The athletic 3-star DB from Roanoke received offers from Penn State and Tennessee, among others, but JMU offers a more clear path to immediate playing time. The standout track athlete is one of the most exciting additions in JMU’s 2026 class, which might also make him the toughest to retain heading into Signing Day. 

Kacey Gilliam, EDGE (Maryland) — Gilliam received offers from programs like Memphis, App State, and Liberty, making him a prized recruit among G5 powers. At 6’2 and 235 lbs, Gilliam still runs a 100-meter sprint in just over 11 seconds. He has elite athleticism off the edge, and could develop into a standout college player with the proper coaching.

Josiah Perry, LB (Virginia) — Air Force, ODU, ECU, and Navy were among the schools to offer Perry before he landed on JMU. An in-state prospect, Perry has the tools to develop into a G5 contributor.

Kyle Bynes, CB (North Carolina) — Charlotte has proven to be a valuable recruiting area for the Dukes, and they strike again in North Carolina. Bynes has great size (6’1) for the CB position, and he held offers from a handful of notable G5 programs, including App State. He’s a quality addition.

Cory Simon, DT (Florida) — Pitt and Minnesota were among the schools offering the undersized (6’1 and 265 lbs) defensive tackle. He’s an impressive athlete who could develop into a G5 contributor.

Kamden Jennings, CB (Georgia) — Originally committed to Eastern Michigan, the track and field standout flipped to JMU. He’s a speedy prospect, which helps make up for his smaller stature (5’10 and 165 lbs). He’s an underrated addition to the Dukes’ class.

Decommitments 

These players originally committed to JMU before changing their mind. 

Simaj Hill, CB to West Virginia — A 3-star prospect from Philadelphia, Hill originally picked the Dukes over Syracuse, Liberty and N.C. State, among others. Given his offer list, size (6’1 and 175 lbs, per his social media bio) and pedigree (he’s a two-time state champion), Hill would have competed for playing time early in his JMU career. Instead, he’ll join a Big 12 program. 

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications