Despite a sparkling transition to the FBS, JMU football hasn’t had a player selected in the NFL draft since Ben DiNucci went in the seventh round in 2020. Will the drought end this weekend?

Here’s a closer look at the Dukes capable of being picked in this year’s draft.

Jacob Thomas, S

The list starts — and might end — with Thomas. A former walk-on, Thomas developed into an All-Sun Belt safety. He went from a solid contributor under Curt Cignetti to one of the Dukes’ most reliable players under Bob Chesney. In 2024 and 2025, Thomas tallied 143 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and five interceptions. He also performed admirably against high-end competition, recording a strip sack against Louisville and six tackles against Oregon.

Thomas had a great pro day, running a 4.45 in the 40-yard dash and posting good agility testing numbers. He has decent size, at 6-feet tall and 215 lbs.

He’s a likely late-round pick or undrafted free agent, and his path to making a roster will likely come via special teams. Making a practice squad would also be a nice accomplishment for Thomas.

Draft projection: Late rounds or UDFA

Nick DeGennaro, WR

The Richmond transfer was underutilized in 2025, which likely hurts his stock a tad. It’s still shocking that Dean Kennedy and company only got the ball in DeGennaro’s hands 28 times this past fall. When he got the ball, DeGennaro found the end zone five times and he averaged over 17 yards per catch.

Against Oregon in the College Football Playoff, DeGennaro five passes for 90 yards and a score. He has extremely reliable hands and runs crisp routes. He has NFL ability despite the Dukes not working him into their offense as well as they could’ve in his lone season in Harrisonburg.

Most reputable draft outlets view DeGennaro, who reportedly posted a 4.39 in the 40-yard dash, as a late-round option or undrafted free agent. He’s on the smaller side, but he can work outside or in the slot.

Draft projection: Late rounds or UDFA

Elijah Culp, CB

Perhaps JMU’s best cover corner in 2025, Culp plays with an enjoyable edge. He’s a fiery competitor and a technician at the position. He had 46 tackles and an interception in 2025, often forcing teams to attack Justin Eaglin last fall, which worked in the Dukes’ favor as Eaglin put together a career campaign.

Culp seems most likely to be an undrafted free agent, but with 4.4 speed, Culp figures to draw interest from NFL franchises.

Draft projection: Likely UDFA with outside chance at being a late-round pick

Other names to monitor

Several former Dukes who thrived at Indiana will be drafted this week, including CB D’Angelo Ponds, WR Elijah Sarratt, and LB Aiden Fisher.

Among players who ended their careers with JMU, however, guys like DT Immanuel Bush and LB Trent Hendrick could both earn undrafted free agent deals. Bush is a solid run-stuffer, and Hendrick could be a special teams asset early in his professional career.

Offensive lineman Patrick McMurtrie was a great player for the Dukes, although he spent seven years in college. He’s a likely UDFA, as teams might be wary of using a pick on a developmental player at his age. QB Matthew Sluka, DE Xavier Holmes, and WR Jaylan Sanchez are among the other notable UDFA candidates. Sluka would likely need to transition into a hybrid QB/TE at the next level to make a team, but his high-end speed and physicality will likely earn him a rookie minicamp invite, if nothing else.

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications