Transfer portal season is underway, although FCS and FBS players have yet to “officially” enter the portal. The portal window for official entrances begins on Jan. 2 and lasts two weeks. Starting on Friday, JMU can officially try to bring in FCS and FBS guys via the portal.

The Dukes have currently offered a host of standout D2 players. Several of them plan on visiting the Dukes in January, including these players: 

JT Hooten — A standout LB from West Alabama (6’2 and 215 lbs) with three years of eligibility remaining, Hooten had 69 tackles in nine games in 2025. He has a ton of potential, and he’ll visit JMU this coming weekend, he tells us. He’s received a lot of G5 interest and would be a major addition.

Courage Osawe Jr. — A JUCO DT from Butte College, Osawe is just 19 years old with two years of eligibility left. He posted 20 tackles and two sacks in 2025. The 6’4 and 295-pound prospect also received notable offers from North Texas and UTSA. He’ll visit JMU on Jan. 9 and 10th, he tells us.

Trevell Jones — A LB from Barton College, the 6’3 and 220-pound prospect had 111 tackles in 2025. He’ll visit JMU on Jan. 9, he says. App State, Troy, and Delaware also offered Jones. He’s a stud with one year of eligibility left.

Parker Knutson — 247Sports is reporting that Knutson has visits set with both JMU and Minnesota. He’s a standout CB from Southwest Minnesota State, posting 13 interceptions over the past two seasons. The defensive back would be a massive pickup, although the Minnesota native will be hard to keep away from the Golden Gophers. He has two years of eligibility left.

Other notes

– We’ve heard from a few sources that JMU worked hard to retain current players. Those who plan to enter the portal could still potentially return as they test the portal waters and look for lucrative NIL deals. If the offers don’t meet their expectations, JMU’s increasing NIL budget could sway some guys to return.

– Florida has at least 20 guys expected to enter the portal, according to On3. Some of them saw minimal playing time for the Gators or they had inconsistent performance. It’s possible the Dukes bring in a few former Gators who enjoyed playing for Napier.

– The portal officially opens on Jan. 2 for FCS and FBS players. Players from those levels will start posting official offers, visits, and commitments soon after the portal opens.

– JMU needs help at every position, but quarterback has promise. Quarterbacks Camden Coleman and JC Evans have not announced plans to leave. Keeping those two would be significant.

– Possible returning players likely to step into larger roles in 2026 include Coleman, DB KJ Flowe, DB Chase Regan, LB Trashon Dye, WR Michael Scott, and OL Deacon Rawls, among others. The Dukes have significant returning talent that saw minimal action in 2025.

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications