2023 James Madison University Depth Chart
JMU enters 2026 under first-year head coach Billy Napier facing a near-total offensive rebuild. The headliner departure is Sun Belt Player of the Year Alonza Barnett III (2,806 passing yards, 23 passing TDs, 15 rushing TDs in 2025), who followed his one year of eligibility to UCF. The Dukes enter spring with four QBs, none of whom has significant starting experience. Memphis transfer Arrington Maiden (6’3, 225 lbs, dual-threat) is the most likely starter, having shown mobility and arm talent as a backup with the Tigers. Returnee Camden Coleman — who has been in the system the longest — gives Napier a fallback familiar with JMU’s processes, while UCF/Virginia Tech transfer Davi Belfort, son of UFC legend Vitor Belfort, adds depth and athleticism. The QB competition heading into spring is genuinely open, a significant dynasty concern as Napier’s Air Raid-adjacent system transitions to whatever OC Cam Aiken (formerly of ETSU) installs.
The skill position core was ravaged but partially rebuilt. George Pettaway returns as the lead back — he rushed for 980 yards in 2024 and was one of the few pieces retained — and is joined by ETSU-connected portal target Seth Cromwell (1,327 rushing yards/18 TDs over two FCS seasons at Northern Arizona) and FCS Freshman All-American Drake Herman (1,034 rushing yards, Drake University, 2025). The RB room is arguably JMU’s deepest offensive unit heading into 2026. At receiver, the Dukes lost their top-two targets from 2025 but responded by landing 4-star LSU transfer Kylan Billiot (6’3, 193 lbs, top-43 WR in his class) as the clear WR1. Braeden Wisloski returned after briefly entering the portal (358 yards, 4 TDs in 2025) and slots as WR2. West Florida transfer Corey Scott (1,000+ yards in 2025) and VMI’s Noah Grevious (52/728/3 in 2025 as a true freshman) round out a credible top four. The TE room is entirely new: Keller (ETSU, 22/226/2) is Cam Aiken’s familiar target and projects as the starter, with journeyman West Chester transfer Thatcher Miller as the TE2.
From a dynasty fantasy lens, JMU’s 2026 outlook is a “wait and see” situation — the Billiot breakout potential is real if a competent QB emerges, and Pettaway is an every-week target in Sun Belt formats given the Dukes’ run-heavy tendencies. However, the QB situation is the defining variable for this offense. Maiden is the bet, but no one in this room has started a meaningful FBS game, meaning volatility is extremely high in the early portion of the season. Morgan Suarez returns as the primary placekicker after handling all of JMU’s 2025 kicking duties.