It’s that time of the year. Want to keep track of JMU football’s offseason roster moves? We’ll do our best to stay updated with the Dukes’ portal additions and departures. 

This is the first portal class of the Billy Napier era. Bob Chesney and Curt Cignetti loved to bring in D3/D2/FCS players. Will Napier follow that model?

Transfer additions

None, as of yet. 

Transfer departures

JD Rayner, OL —Rayner played in one game in 2025 to preserve his redshirt. He has all four years of eligibility remaining. 

Jacob Bailey, OL —Bailey redshirted in 2025 and will have all 4 years of eligibility remaining. 

Stephen Hollander, DB — Hollander played in 5 career games during his four years at JMU. He has one year of eligibility remaining. 

Drew Spinogatti, LB — Spinogatti announced he is entering the portal after one year in Harrisonburg. He began his collegiate career with Bob Chesney at Holy Cross and has one year of eligibility remaining.   

Landon Ellis, WR — Ellis came to Harrisonburg after spending his first two seasons at the FCS level with Richmond. He made an immediate impact for JMU, leading the team in receiving yards and tied for the team lead in receiving touchdowns. The third team All Sun Belt selection should find a home at the P4 level.  

Aiden Gobaira, DL — Gobaira was a question mark when he got to Harrisonburg after being forced to medically retire at Notre Dame. The former 4-star prospect was a key player at the EDGE spot for the Dukes proving he is still able to play at a high level. Gobaira had 38 tackles this season with 7.5 TFLs and 4 sacks, he’ll have one year of eligibility remaining. 

Carter Sweazie, OL —  Sweazie has been a constant along the offensive line for JMU logging over 1,300 snaps the last three seasons. Per PFF, he was the 5th highest rated offensive lineman who logged 100+ snaps for JMU in both pass and run blocking. He will have one year of eligibility remaining. 

Sahir West, DL — Sahir West will get a ton of interest in the portal. After redshirting in 2024, West was a top end defensive end for the Dukes in 2025. He racked up 45 tackles in 14 games played with 14 TFLs and seven sacks. He punctuated the season with an impressive Sun Belt Championship Game against Troy where he had 5.5 TFLs and three sacks. With three years of eligibility remaining he is likely to be one of the top portal targets at the EDGE spot. 

Wayne Knight, RB — Wayne Knight has entered the portal. The All-American running back was an all-purpose star in 2025, rushing for over 1,300 yards and posting over 300 receiving yards, too. He’s a stud.

Alonza Barnett, QB — This one hurts. The Sun Belt Player of the Year in 2025, Barnett spent four seasons at JMU and led the team to a Sun Belt title and CFP appearance this fall. He also started in 2024, as the Dukes went 9-4. Barnett will garner P4 interest.

Amar Thomas, DE — An underrated standout, Thomas has one year of eligibility left. He was extremely steady for the Dukes on early downs in 2025, developing into a reliable piece of an elite Sun Belt defense.

Justin Eaglin, CB — A redshirt junior in 2025, Eaglin had 35 tackles and 5 INTs. He was a solid Sun Belt player, although he also gave up long touchdowns on several occasions. He was a streaky CB, but his improvement from 2024 to 2025 could land him a P4 opportunity.

DJ Barksdale, CB — One of JMU’s most entertaining players, the undersized defensive back has great closing speed and knows how to blow up a WR screen. He had 93 tackles and four interceptions in his three-year JMU career.

Joseph Simmons, OL — JMU’s left tackle is in the portal. His size and experience give him a legitimate shot to play at the P4 level. 

Riley Robell, OL — An athletic guard, Robell should generate P4 interest. He’s a stud when healthy.

Tyler Brown, S — Brown became a sophomore starter for the Dukes, finishing with 80 tackles and flashing the athleticism necessary to play at the P4 level. 

Immanuel Ezeogu, DE — A standout redshirt freshman, Ezeogu was used in specific blitz and pass rush packages. He had four TFLs in 2025.

Mychal McMullin, DT — Mychal McMullin is coming off a redshirt sophomore season where he played in all 14 games and racked up 32 tackles with 2.5 TFLs and one sack. Going into 2024, McMullin drew high praise from then defensive coordinator Lyle Hemphill and in 2025 was a solid rotational defensive tackle for the Dukes. 

Ayo Adeyi, RB — Adeyi was never healthy at JMU, but he was a standout for North Texas. He’s talented, but injuries derailed his two JMU seasons.

Josh Phifer, TE — Primarily a blocking tight end, Phifer was a standout in the running game. He’s an incredibly physical blocker with receiving upside. He could make an impact for a P4 team.

Lacota Dippre, TE — An elite athlete, Dippre began his career as a DE for Charlotte before switching to TE at JMU. He missed a few blocks and had drops late in the season, but he has the athletic traits to develop into a successful and reliable tight end.

Braeden Wisloski, WR — The Maryland transfer caught 26 passes for 358 yards and four scores. He played well as the season progressed, although he wasn’t the Dukes top option in the passing game. Will he return to the P4 ranks? If he does, will he find a spot where he can make a major impact?

Jacob Hohenshelt, OL — A reserve offensive linemen with three years of eligibility left, Hohenshelt might go elsewhere for more playing time. He’s a big-bodied prospect (6’4 and 295 lbs) with upside.

Cristiano Rosa, K — JMU’s kickoff specialist enters the portal looking for a new home. He has a strong leg, but he was a backup option on field goals. 

Andrew VanSlyke, P/K — A backup specialist returns to the portal. He was in the portal last year before returning in the spring as a depth piece. He’ll go try to find playing time elsewhere.

Jacob Bailey, OL — Bailey redshirted in 2025 and has four years of eligibility left.

Transfer targets

Target is a broad word here, as there are a lot of behind-the-scenes conversations we don’t know about, but these players have posted on social media that JMU has offered them. This list gives an idea of some of the players JMU is targeting in the portal. 

Isaiah Green, S (6’1, 180 lbs) Portland State — Green has played in 25 games across three season at Portland State, he redshirted in 2023 and has become a go to starter his last two seasons and was an all conference selection in 2025. Green racked up 100 tackles this past season with 4 TFLs. He has two years of eligibility remaining. 

Frankie Tinilau, OL (6’6, 325 lbs) ETSU — Tinilau began at Miami where he appeared in two games over two seasons. He spent 2025 with ETSU where he played in all games at LET. Of note, ETSU’s former OC, Cam Aiken, is JMU’s offensive coordinator. He has a visit set up with JMU as well as LA Tech and Utah State per his agent. 

Ezra Christensen, DL (6’2, 280 lbs) New Mexico St. — Christensen began his collegiate career at San Diego Mesa College, a JuCo in California, then played two years at Fresno State and spent 2025 at New Mexico St. where he balled out. Christensen racked up 42 tackles, 11 TFLs and six sacks in 11 games played. His PFF grade of 88.0 was the third best in the nation among non-EDGE defensive linemen. 

Chris Culliver, WR (6’2, 195 lbs) UNC — Culliver was a four star prospect coming out of Maiden High School and was one of the WRs in the nation. Now, across three years with the Tar Heels, he has played in 29 games racking up 12 catches for 276 yards and 3 TDs he also returned kicks taking 2 to the house in 2024. He has one year of eligibility remaining. 

Adjatay Dabbs, WR (6’0, 170 lbs) Mercer — Dabbs has two years of eligibility remaining and has received some other G5 interest. He was a go-to receiver on the outside for Mercer leading the team in receiving. He caught fire to end the season averaging 104 yards per game and scored five touchdowns over the final five games of the season. 

Nate Levivki, TE (6’3, 235 lbs) Presbyterian — He began his collegiate career at Mount St. Mary’s as a Lacrosse player. Then the Annapolis, Md native transferred to Presbyterian where he became one of the more prolific TEs in the Pioneer League. Across 24 career games played he has 48 catches for 783 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has a 90.6 PFF grade. Very fun and intriguing TE prospect. 

Brodie Bass, OL (6’4, 296 lbs) Jones College —Two year starter at the JuCo level. 

Jehchys Brown, DL (6’2, 290 lbs) SEMO — In 2025 Brown had 24 tackles with five TFLs, three sacks and generated 15 pressures. He has received offers from a number of G5 and SBC Schools. He is a former shot put thrower for SEMO Track and Field as well. He has two years of eligibility remaining. 

Landen Clark, QB (6’0, 186 lbs) Elon —He played in 4 games to preserve his redshirt in 2024 at Elon then burst onto the scene in 2025. He was named Co-Offensive Rookie of the Year in the CAA this season and was a Jerry Rice Award finalist. He threw for 2,621 yards and ran for another 614, he accounted for 29 touchdowns (18 passing, 11 rushing) and threw 8 picks. Clark had a very good 84.2 PFF grade in 2025. This is a high upside QB with 3 years of eligibility remaining. 

Geoffrey Ojeh, DE (6’6, 270 lbs) UT Permian Basin — Ojeh has some physical tools at 6’6 and 270 pounds, but hasn’t played much. He redshirted in 2024 and played in just six games in 2025. He has 3 years of eligibility remaining. 

Jusiah Sampleton, DT (6′ and 295 lbs), CSU Pueblo — He’s being recruited by North Texas, UTSA, and Washington State, among others. He has 12 TFLs over the past two seasons and is a disruptive force in the middle of a defensive line. 

Quinn Wills, S (6’2 and 200 lbs), Grand Valley State — The Dukes love the GVSU roster! Wills had 55 tackles in 2025, ranking second on the team. He’s received significant interest across the FCS and G5 levels.

Nate Henrich, DE (6’6 and 260 lbs), Gannon University — San Diego State also offered Henrich, who has elite size at the DE position. Henrich, who has two years of eligibility left, had seven tackles in six games in 2025.

Danny Royster, DE (6’3, 236 lbs) UIndy — Royster has one year of eligibility remaining. He began his career at Ball State then transferred down to UIndy of DII for one season where he notched 36 tackles in 13 games with 13 TFLs and 7.5 sacks. Royster has received interest from select G5 schools and a whole host of FCS programs. 

Kevin Henderson, LB (6’0 and 215 lbs) University of Findlay — Henderson has received interest from some G5 and FCS schools after racking up 115 tackles in two years at the DII level. He also has notched 20 TFLs and five sacks. He has two years of eligibility remaining. 

Jason Hardy, DB (6’2 and 185 lbs), Grand Valley State — He’s received G5 and FCS interest after tallying eight interceptions in his career. He has the size to be a solid FBS player.

Damier Minkah, CB (6’2 and 190 lbs), Shepherd — The Dukes added JT Kouame-Yao from Shepherd a season ago, and the LB redshirted in 2025. Could Minkah join the Dukes, too? He’s a top G5 target after breaking up 10 passes in 2025. He has great speed and ball skills, and while he didn’t have an interception in 2025, he was close to getting about five. He’s constantly in the correct spot.

Courage Osawe Jr., DT (6’4 and 295), Butte — The JUCO product has impressive athleticism and size, and he’s garnered other notable offers from ULM and UTSA. JUCO teams often tried to double team Osawe to slow him down.

Parker Knutson, DB (6’1 and 195 lbs), Southwest Minnesota State — How does 13 interceptions over two seasons sound? This guy has a knack for the ball.

Douglas Adams III, LB/Edge (6’3 and 240 lbs), Foothill College — He had 7.5 TFLs in just seven games this season. Solid player earning G5 interest.

Trevell Jones, LB (6’3 and 220 lbs), Barton College — He posted 111 tackles this past season, and he’s receiving notable G5 interest.

Junus McGraw, DB (6’1 and 180 lbs), West Liberty — He had 51 tackles and 1 INT in 2025. He’s been a top G5 target.

Khamani Potts, DE (6’4 and 255 lbs), Grand Valley State — He had 7 TFLs in eight games this season. He’s receiving a lot of G5 interest.

Kevin Roberts, DT (6’1 and 285 lbs), West Florida — He had nine sacks in 2025 and would be a huge addition. Good player.

Cameron Cooper, LB (6’3 and 230 lbs), Western Colorado — Arkansas is among the other schools trying to land Cooper, who has high-level athleticism.

Wesley Hudson, DT (6’3 and 290 lbs), Central Oklahoma — He had 4 TFLs in 2025 and has received a mix of G5 and FCS offers.

Shaun Shahu, OL (6’7 and 300 lbs), Saginaw Valley State — He has the size and traits to play FBS football.

Jayon Harvey, DB (5’11 and 190 lbs), Findlay — Over the past two seasons, he has 109 tackles and seven interceptions. He’s a highly productive DB.

JT Hooten, LB (6′ and 230 lbs), West Alabama — He finished the 2025 season with a team-high 69 tackles in just nine games as a redshirt freshman. Lots of potential for Hooten.

Corey Scott, WR (6’1 and 180 lbs), West Florida — He went over 1,000 receiving yards in 2025 and has the skills necessary to compete at the FBS level. 

Tristan Exline, LB (6’1 and 215 lbs), Texas Permian Basin — We love his game. He’s a beast of a LB, who had 143 tackles, including 19.5 for loss, in 2025. He could be a Sun Belt star.

Mason McKenzie, QB (6’1 and 190 lbs), Saginaw Valley State — The D2 standout also received an offer from Boston College, among others. He runs well and is a solid passer, although his 11 interceptions in 2025 were somewhat concerning. He can thrive at the FBS in a solid scheme, though. The traits are all there, and he’s played a ton of football over the past two seasons.

Mason Purham, DE (6’6 and 250 lbs), Emory & Henry — He had 42 tackles, 7 TFLs and 3 sacks as a sophomore. His size and athleticism mean he’ll be an FBS player quite soon. Lots of G5 teams, including North Texas and Marshall, offered him. Can JMU keep the Hampton native in the state?

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications