JMU football’s spring game was just five plays, but that won’t stop us from writing a mailbag about the Dukes’ 2026 on-field outlook. 

Here are answers to recent reader questions:

Stuck on Frankie Tinilau and his absence. That would be a much needed addition to O-line, especially tackle depth, after staring at the roster?? — Dalton Wagner 

Tinilau, an incoming ETSU transfer who started from new JMU OC Cam Aiken at left tackle in 2025, will join the Dukes over the summer, according to a team spokesperson. The roster distributed at the spring game doesn’t include all incoming freshmen, either. Freshman running back Phoenix Dhongia, who is listed at over 230 lbs, is an exciting power back addition who will join the Dukes over the summer. 

As for Tinilau, he should add crucial depth at left tackle alongside DIII transfer DJ Fox. Tinilau, 6-6 and 325 lbs, is a solid player and his familiarity with Aiken’s scheme makes his attendance at spring ball less critical. He should seamlessly work into the offensive line mix in August.

How was the burger? — Sidelines JMU

My Bridgeforth cheeseburger was a 5/10, but a 7/10 when compared to other stadium cheeseburgers. It hit the spot after driving a few hours to Harrisonburg. I could’ve used another during the rain delay, but was too focused on the weather derailing the afternoon that I forgot to order a second. 

Thoughts on Oregon ducking you in the nonconference? — Folding Chair Rice

It’s not just Oregon, Mr. Folding Chair! Everyone at the P4 level hates to see the Dukes coming. 

Jokes aside, I’m workshopping a take that JMU fans are going to feel annoyed at the Dukes’ place in the Sun Belt after the 2026 season. I’m bullish on the potential of the American and the new-look Pac-12 in 2026, and I wouldn’t be shocked if JMU fans feel frustrated with the SBC’s overall strength among G6 peers, particularly the West division, by this time next year. Those frustrations may only grow stronger when a schedule isn’t boosted by a matchup with a P4 foe. That Louisville game did a lot of heavy lifting last year.

Is JC Evans-maxxing appropriate?

We won’t stop you from buying into the JC Evans hype. He’s 6’5 with elite speed for a QB and what seems to be an improving arm. 

It’s also fair to say his 51-yard completion to Corey Scott in the spring game could’ve been a touchdown if the ball hadn’t been an under throw. Evans is getting a lot of the online buzz for the play, but Scott probably deserves most of the credit. He cooked his man off the line of scrimmage and was WIDE open downfield before making a contested catch over Ken Willis. Evans threw a ball good enough for Scott to come down with it, but if he hits him in stride, it’s a walk-in touchdown.

Evans is still developing as a passer, but he’s making positive strides. His ability as a runner gives him a chance to win the starting gig. He’s an explosive athlete. Will he make enough progress as a passer to win the gig? We’ll find out soon enough. It’s an important summer for the redshirt sophomore.

Coleman is QB1?? — Eric

That’s our read on the situation. Camden Coleman, who spent 2025 with the Dukes after two years with Richmond, was a team captain for the spring game. 

He’s the only guy on the roster with meaningful college playing experience — he went 13-1 as Richmond’s starter — and he’s seemingly the most polished passer of the group. It’ll be hard to beat Coleman out for the starting job this summer because he’s an accurate passer with above-average athleticism and significant on-field success at the FCS level. He’s the least risky starting option, and with September games against Liberty, San Diego State, and Old Dominion, the Dukes can’t afford to take a huge risk if they want to start fast.

Yeah, who dropped the ball not knowing the weather forecast and didn’t have the game moved up a couple of hours? Inexcusable to have the coaching staff’s first spring game cancelled. Easily avoidable. — Clayton

This is a valid question/gripe. Our guess is that fluctuations in the forecast — a few projections in the days leading up to the game suggested the storms would be just rain without lightning — made it hard to pull the trigger on a switch. But yeah, as we drove to Harrisonburg on Saturday morning, we questioned why the game wasn’t at noon instead of 2 p.m.  

Certainly, it’s a huge bummer that the first spring game after a College Football Playoff appearance lasted a whopping five plays. 

Is cancellation due to weather > delay due to weather directing parachutist into scoreboard? — Don Alexander 

Hahaha great question. Virginia Tech’s spring game was delayed because wind gusts sent a skydiver into the scoreboard. JMU’s game lasted five plays because of thunderstorms. 

UVA’s spring game went off without a hitch. Perhaps it’s a good omen for the Cavaliers’ 2026 outlook. 

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications