JMU football will soon begin summer practices in preparation for the 2025 season, and the Dukes enter the year with lofty expectations. They’re the betting favorite to win the Sun Belt, and just about every media publication worth anything has the Dukes as the preseason pick to win the East.

Ahead of the highly anticipated season, let’s break down the offense led by coordinator Dean Kennedy. Here are 20 pre-camp thoughts on some of the most important players on offense.

Matthew Sluka, QB: Sluka has to play. He’s my pick to win the starting job, but even if he loses out to either Alonza Barnett or Camden Coleman, there will be offensive packages for Sluka. He’s one of the top two or three rushing quarterbacks at the Group of Five level.

Camden Coleman, QB: The Richmond transfer might be JMU’s backup. That’s insane, given his talent level and potential. A reliable passer with the Spiders (team-high 85.2 PFF grade on offense), Coleman is 13-1 as a starter. He’s accurate to all levels of the field — completing over 80% of his passes inside 10 yards of the line of scrimmage in 2024 — and is an above-average runner. He has NFL potential, even if he’s not the Dukes’ 2025 starter.

Alonza Barnett, QB: Is he healthy? He’s reportedly ahead of schedule after tearing his ACL at the end of the 2024 season, but JMU never actually shared an expected recovery schedule. I’d expect him to sit out this season to focus on his recovery, but if he’s healthy at any point and either Sluka or Coleman struggle or become injured, it’s possible Barnett could work his way into the mix. He threw just four interceptions in 2024, compared to 26 touchdown passes. He’s a high-end G5 QB, as illustrated by his seven-touchdown game against UNC. JMU has three starting caliber QBs, which is incredibly rare at the G5 level.

Nick DeGennaro, WR: The Richmond transfer might be the best player on JMU’s offense. He has over 2,000 career receiving yards and is equally adept at moving the chains with short and intermediate catches as he is taking the top off the defense with a deep reception. DeGennaro has an astounding 11 touchdowns on 20+ yard passes in the past two seasons. He’s a matchup nightmare given his reliable hands and crisp route running. He’s quick after the catch and fast without the ball in his hands. DeGennaro could be a star in JMU’s offense.

Isaiah Alston, WR: A true X receiver, Alston stands at 6-4 and 205 lbs. He’s never been the focal point of offense, as he was a bench player at Iowa State and started for an Army team content to run the ball 90% of the year. He went over 250 yards in three straight seasons with Army, however, showcasing a big-play ability. He strikes me as a potential X-factor in the offense.

Jaylan Sanchez, WR: Everybody loves DeGennaro and Alston for good reason, but Sanchez should quietly produce in the slot after a strong career at Villanova, which included 1,200 receiving yards and nine touchdowns over the past two seasons.

Michael Scott, WR: The small true freshman (5’9 and 160 lbs) drew rave reviews during spring ball. Is he actually ready to contribute in Year 1? If he is, he’ll give Sanchez the occasional breather in the slot.

Landon Ellis, WR: A reliable wideout at Richmond (50 catches for 588 yards and four TDs in 2024) with two years of eligibility left, expect Ellis to play a role in the offense. Will he start? That might be tough with the guys ahead of him, but look for Ellis to produce when he’s on the field.

George Pettaway, RB: It’s remarkable that Pettaway is still in Harrisonburg. He’s a clear P4 talent after rushing for nearly 1,000 yards this past season, and he’s an exceptional receiver (24 catches, 200 yards, and 2 TDs in 2024) at the running back position. Few SBC teams have running backs as talented as Pettaway.

Ayo Adeyi, RB: I’ve heard from sources close to the program that a healthy Adeyi could be the No. 1 back in 2025, even with Pettaway in the mix. He only received 20 carries this past season because of injuries, but rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2023 and has averaged more than seven yards per carry in two separate seasons. The former North Texas star is being underrated this offseason.

Jobi Malary, RB: I’m a Malary believer. How did JMU only give the 240-pound back 45 carries in 2024?? He averaged six yards per pop and reached the end zone twice. He and Holy Cross transfer Jordan Fuller (44 career rushing TDs) should handle short-yardage situations in 2025.

Wayne Knight, RB: Is there room for Knight to play? I’m not so sure where he fits into the offense, but I like his game. Maybe he becomes a third-down back who helps Pettaway get rest? I want to see Knight on the field for at least a few snaps a game, but it’s a crowded running back room.

Logan Kyle, TE: Kyle left a few plays on the field in 2024, but the former Vanderbilt tight end should fill the role left by Taylor Thompson. Kyle can catch and block, and with defenses likely focused on the receivers and running backs, Kyle should get open for a couple big receptions this fall.

Cam McNair, OL: A standout at Holy Cross, McNair projects as Pat McMurtrie’s backup right tackle. Wait, really? An All-Patriot League player is coming to JMU to be a backup? This gives me some pause, and makes me wonder if the Dukes plan to rotate McMurtrie more in 2025. McNair is too talented to spend most games on the bench.

Pat McMurtrie, OL: Speaking of McMurtrie, it’s time for him to own the offensive line. Boise State had two First Team MWC offensive linemen in 2024 on its way to the College Football Playoff, and Liberty had one First Team CUSA lineman and a pair of Second Team All CUSA guys in 2023, when the Flames played in the Fiesta Bowl. If you want to be an elite G5 team, your offensive line better dominate. McMurtrie figures to be the most dominant lineman on the team.

Riley Robell, OL: Coming off an injury, Robell is a likely starter at right guard. He has star potential. But can he stay healthy all season?

Carter Sweazie, OL: Much like Robell, there’s star power here. Sweazie just needs to stay healthy. He’s the likely starting left guard.

Zach Greenberg, OL: Will the former D3 star and UNC transfer start at center? If he does, he’ll take over a position once manned by Tanner Morris. After Morris gave JMU great play in recent years, Greenberg has big shoes to fill. Brett Davis could rotate into the mix here.

Joseph Simmons, OL: Are we looking at a budding star? Simmons played 331 snaps and earned a solid 67.1 PFF grade. JMU’s likely starting left tackle, Simmons flashed potential in 2024. Can he become an All-Sun Belt player in 2025? The Dukes might need that.

Josh Toner, OL: Toner might not start, but he’ll play. He’s played over 1,100 career snaps for the Dukes, serving as a valuable backup. Even if he’s not a starter, his ability to play both guard spots in a pinch makes him one of the team’s most important linemen.

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications