Earlier this week, we asked readers if they had any questions about JMU sports. Given the week’s football transfer news — the Dukes added Richmond QB Camden Coleman and Holy Cross/UNLV QB Matthew Sluka — it’s no surprise that the questions we received were all football related.

As a result, here’s a quick mid-January JMU football mailbag.

The football schedule next year feels like one where if the Dukes go a perfect 13-0 and win the Sun Belt not only could they make the CFP but could potentially be above the 12 seed. The season would have to be spectacular, but am I crazy in thinking that? — Dom Palumbo

Going 13-0 would indeed be spectacular. JMU faces its usual Sun Belt East foes, Texas State, Louisiana, Liberty, Louisville, Washington State, and Weber State. That’s a great 12-game schedule for a Group of Five team.

And yes, if the Dukes go 13-0 with a road win over what’s expected to be a competitive Louisville team, they’ll likely end up ranked higher than 12th. The Sun Belt schedule is solid, especially with Louisiana and Texas State expected to be two of the best squads in the West. Washington State lost a lot this offseason, including its coach, but that would still be a good win. Liberty should also be among the best CUSA teams in 2025 with Jamey Chadwell (21-5 with the Flames) at head coach.

JMU’s strength of schedule will be much better in 2025 compared to 2024, which means going 12-1 with a league championship (or even 11-2, depending on the losses) could put the Dukes in position to make the College Football Playoff. Going 13-0 would lock up a spot and could potentially see them earn a top-10 seed.

We picked up two amazing QBS in the portal and have Alonza and JC on the roster. I don’t want any of them to go anywhere, but with the Spring portal, who do we fear losing? – Alex

Given Alonza Barnett’s injury status — he could miss the 2025 season after injuring his knee at the end of the 2024 season — it’s unlikely he transfers during the spring. He’d have to change up his rehab process, and most high-level college programs aren’t eagerly offering scholarships to injured Group of Five quarterbacks. Barnett’s goal in 2025 should be to get healthy and prepare for 2026.

As for JC Evans, he’s only a redshirt freshman entering 2025. I’d anticipate he remains in Harrisonburg for this next season, partially because he has limited game tape. Is there a program better than JMU’s willing to give a starting opportunity to a rising redshirt freshman with one career pass? Probably not.

Don’t sleep on Evans’ future in Harrisonburg, either. Sluka’s college career ends after this season, and it’s possible either Coleman or Barnett transfer ahead of the 2026 season. Evans should compete for the starting job in future seasons, although it’s unlikely he’ll be the starter in 2025 given the experience of Sluka and Coleman. Evans showed promise in 2024, and the coaching staff should prioritize his development during the offseason. He has a bright future.

If you could add any player from the past to the 2025 JMU football roster for the season (1 on offense and 1 on defense) who would it be? – Alex

Fun question! I’m on the younger side, so I’ll stick to more recent options, although Gary Clark and Charles Haley are obvious answers.

On offense, I’d add Aaron Stinnie. The former JMU offensive tackle was an FCS All-American in 2016 and 2017, and he’s stuck on NFL rosters since graduating. He even won a Super Bowl with Tom Brady and the Bucs. Given the departures of Tyshawn Wyatt and Jesse Ramil at left tackle, Stinnie would bolster the left side of JMU’s offensive line.

Defensively, I’m between Jimmy Moreland and John Daka. Moreland was an interception machine at JMU, catching a program-best 18 during his career. Imagine him in Lyle Hemphill’s turnover-focused scheme!

But I’ll go with Daka. JMU loses Khairi Manns to graduation, and while Maine defensive end Xavier Holmes should fill the void left by Eric O’Neill’s transfer, the Dukes don’t have an obvious speed rusher off the edge. Enter John Daka. The athletic end posted an absurd 28 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks in 2019, a single-season program record. He would’ve been a problem in the Sun Belt, and I think he’s one of the most underrated JMU players of the last decade. Jalen Green would also be a perfect fit for this pass-rushing role. 

Are there any holes left on this roster? – Dallas

The Dukes could still use help at cornerback, defensive end, defensive tackle, and linebacker. I’m not sure any of the positions really have glaring needs, but I have the most questions about cornerback.

At the end of 2024, Terrence Spence, Ray Williams, and Jordan Taylor were all receiving significant snaps at cornerback. All three graduated. Adding Maryland transfer Chantz Harley and St. Francis transfer Mekhi Rodgers will help the position, but verbal commit Jamir Conn ended up signing with Nebraska. Adding another veteran corner would add necessary competition at the position, as returners Chauncey Logan and Justin Eaglin were inconsistent in 2024.

And as cliche as it sounds, games are won and lost in the trenches. Adding another defensive tackle should be one of the top priorities in the spring. You can never have too much defensive line talent, and I’m worried about how the Dukes will replace Chris Fitzgerald.

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications