JMU running back Ayo Adeyi, a North Texas transfer, is expected to use a redshirt and return to JMU for the 2025 season. Offensive lineman Tyshawn Wyatt might do the same, head coach Bob Chesney told the media Monday.

Adeyi has only played in two games for the Dukes this season, exiting the Gardner-Webb game with a lower leg injury. He hasn’t played since, although he could play in two more games and still use a redshirt this season. Adeyi has 20 carries for 40 yards and one touchdown this fall.

“Ayo is in a spot where he intends to come back here next year, which is great,” Chesney said. “I think that’s really important.”

Adeyi ran for over 1,000 yards at North Texas this season, and he began the year as JMU’s starting running back. He’ll be expected to handle a key role in 2025.

The Dukes could also bring back Wyatt, who was a starter for JMU in 2021, 2022, and 2023 along the left side of the offensive line. He’s missed this season after suffering a leg injury last October that required significant rehab. It’s possible he plays again this year, but the Dukes are also interested in limiting him to four or fewer games so he can play another season.

“Every week he gets better and better and better,” Chesney said. “When you get to the four-game mark that’s left, you can play in those four and that doesn’t count on the year. So we’ll see where he progresses and how well he continues to go.”

Wyatt was a preseason Second Team All-Sun Belt player at left tackle. Redshirt junior Jesse Ramil has started in his place this season. If the Dukes return Ramil, Wyatt and left guards Carter Sweazie and Josh Toner — all four have remaining eligibility in 2025 — they’ll boast one of the most experienced left sides of an offensive line in the Sun Belt next season. Center Tanner Morris, right guard Cole Potts, and right tackle Patrick McMurtrie have exhausted their eligibility, but backups Brett Davis (center), Riley Robell (guard), and Joseph Simmons (tackle) have remaining eligibility.

While fans are frustrated with the recent Sun Belt losses, JMU’s 2025 roster is slowly shaping up to be one of the best in the conference. If the Dukes can avoid major losses in the transfer portal this offseason, they should be loaded for Year 2 of the Bob Chesney era.

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications