JMU football’s transfer portal recruiting efforts have proved fruitful in recent days, with the Dukes bringing in 12 new players. There are more to come. 

Here’s a closer look at the Dukes’ portal efforts. 

Upcoming/recent visitors

Here are a few of JMU’s notable upcoming/recent visitors.

West Alabama LB J.T. Hooten, a 6-foot and 230-pound player from the D2 ranks, had 69 tackles in just nine games in 2025. He tells us his original visit earlier in the month was rescheduled to this weekend. 

Christian Lorenzo, DT (6’3 and 305 lbs), Illinois State — He’s also had stops at Illinois and Georgia State, but Lorenzo was at his best for Illinois State in 2025. He had 29 tackles and 5 TFLs for a team that went to the FCS title game. He appeared in all 16 games, giving him valuable experience with an FCS contender. He’s visiting this weekend, according to reports.

Lathan Croley, LB (6′ and 210 lbs), Holy Cross — Could the Dukes bring in a Holy Cross player even with Chesney gone? Croley reportedly visited earlier this week, and he’s visiting Pitt as well. He had 80 tackles this season, including 15 against Colgate. 

Ziggy Loa, DE (6’3 and 255 lbs), ULM — The former JUCO star had six tackles for ULM over limited snaps in 2025. He’s visiting this weekend and would be a nice depth piece on what’s shaping up to be an elite defensive front.

Offensive line help needed?

The Dukes have yet to add a transfer offensive lineman. So are the Dukes in trouble up front? Not so fast. 

Keep a close eye on these three names. 

1) Carter Sweazie — The JMU guard has yet to announce a transfer destination, and his recruitment hasn’t included much publicity. He’s good enough to play at the P4 level, and he’s also good enough to earn a decent paycheck from JMU to come back and be a 2026 starter. Could he follow guys like DE Amar Thomas and DT Mychal McMullin by returning? 

2) Frankie Tinilau, OL (6’6, 325 lbs) ETSU — He played for new JMU OC Cam Aiken in 2025 after starting his career at Miami. The Dukes appear to be one of his most likely landing spot out of the portal, given his offers and expected visits. The LT could immediately contribute at the G5 level. 

3) Enoch Wangoy, OL (6’7 and 333 lbs), Florida — He recently visited JMU and has three years of eligibility left. He has great size and potential as a prospect and knows Billy Napier and OL coach Rob Sale well. He’d be a natural fit in Harrisonburg.

FIU’s Daniel Michel and Colorado’s Tyler Brown are among the Dukes’ other OL targets. 

Look for JMU to add offensive linemen in the near future to bolster an offense that is trending in a positive direction at all other positions. Adding a few quality linemen will go a long way toward securing a top Sun Belt portal class.

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications