By Jack Kutz

After another highly successful season, JMU football lost much of its coaching staff, 30 players to the transfer portal, and a number of graduates. Many of Bob Chesney’s assistant coaches left with him for UCLA, and along with them are 11 former JMU players. Here’s how they are performing three games into their 2026 campaign.

Offensive players

Wayne Knight, RB

One of the heroes from JMU’s College Football Playoff team, Wayne Knight has looked like a Heisman candidate through the early parts of UCLA’s season. In a stacked UCLA running back room, Knight leads the team in carries (39), yards (345), and rushing touchdowns (eight). His eight rushing touchdowns is tied for the national lead. Knight has also added another five receptions for 53 yards. He is also returning kickoffs for the Bruins. After an offseason of speculating if Wayne Knight can continue his dominance from 2025, his 2026 campaign is looking like it could be his best year yet.

Landon Ellis, WR

Landon Ellis was a very important receiver on JMU’s 2025 team. He’s dealt with injury this season, which limited him vs. Cal and caused him to miss the San Diego State game in Week 2. His biggest moment of the season was a touchdown to put UCLA up by two scores in their first conference games vs. Purdue this past weekend. He has racked up four receptions on the season for 42 yards. Ellis should have many more chances to prove himself in a stacked UCLA wide receiver room now that he’s healthy.

Josh Phifer, TE

Josh Phifer has also struggled with injuries this season. During the Bruins’ first game of the season, Phifer was helped off the field by trainers with an apparent leg injury. No further details have come out yet. Phifer, an excellent blocking tight end, started a game this year for UCLA, but failed to put up any receiving stats. A very unfortunate start to the season for the former Duke tight end.

Riley Robell, OL

Riley Robell is playing at a very good level in his first year at the Power 4 level. He is the starter at center and has played at a very solid level. He currently stands at a 72.3 grade according to Pro Football Focus. The fourth-year player should be a huge asset for a successful first season with Bob Chesney at the helm for UCLA.

Carter Sweazie, OL

After three seasons with JMU dating back to the Cignetti era, Carter Sweazie transferred to UCLA. In his first few games, he has been a very good right guard for the Bruins. He was put on PFF’s All-Big 10 team for Week 1 after a great game against Cal. During Week 2 against San Diego State, he earned a 70.7 PFF grade.

JD Dean, OL

JD Dean, previously JD Rayner, hasn’t seen much playing time as a second-year player. Chesney brought him to California for a reason, which, for now, seems to be sitting behind experienced players and developing.

Defensive players

Aiden Gobaira, DL

Aiden Gobaira is one the most interesting storylines in college football. The former 4-star and No. 7 high schooler in Virginia originally committed to Notre Dame in 2022. He dealt with a brutal leg injury during his time in South Bend and had to medically retire for a season. After over a year of rehab, Gobaira put his name in the portal. Bob Chesney took a chance on him, and he’s playing Big Ten football now. Gobaira seems to be having a similar season to last year, as he is starting off inconsistently. In UCLA’s win over San Diego State, he put up six tackles, 1/2 tackle for loss, and a QB hurry. 

Sahir West, EDGE

Sahir West was one of the most sought-after players that entered the portal at the end of last season. After barely playing in 2024, West made a huge impact in 2025 as a fast, strong, and flexible EDGE for the Dukes. In his third year in college, West has continued to make his impact. In three games, he’s put up 12 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, and a fumble recovery. Sahir West played his best ball in November last year, and if he keeps up with that trend, he will be dangerous.

Trent Hendrick, LB

After a standout 2025 where he won the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year, Trent Hendrick took his talents to the NFL. After playing in summer camps with the Chiefs and Browns, Hendrick found a new home in Los Angeles with the UCLA Bruins. Because he joined the team in late August, Hendrick has not found a lot of playing time with the Bruins so far. In a loaded linebacker room featuring Sammy Omosigho and Jalen Woods, Hendrick has only racked up five tackles over three games. 

Drew Spinogatti, LB

After fighting for playing time with JMU in 2025 and succeeding as Gannon Weathersby dealt with injuries, Spinogatti made his presence known at the end of last season. Between a 16-tackle performance against Washington State and a Sun Belt Championship where he returned a fumble recovery for a touchdown, Spinogatti made a name for himself. After the standout end to his third season of college football, Spinogatti followed Bob Chesney to UCLA. Unfortunately, in three games, Spinogatti has been unable to record a stat. Similarly to Hendrick, in a stacked UCLA linebacker room, it’s hard to imagine a world where he obtains very much playing time.

Derrick (DJ) Barksdale, CB

Barksdale was a standout player for JMU last season. Barksdale has a solid 74.5 grade this season according to Pro Football Focus. He’s continued his excellence as a tackler both in the open field with seven tackles, as well as in the backfield with a sack. Barksdale also has a pass breakup on his resumé.

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications