It’s transfer portal season, and the James Madison University (JMU) Dukes are making waves as they gear up for the 2025 football season.
After an impressive 8-4 regular season in 2024, the Dukes want to keep the momentum going by adding some fresh faces from the transfer portal.
Retaining key players and blending in new talent will shape their chances next year.
Let’s check out these roster changes and see what they might mean for JMU football.
Offensive Additions: Strengthening the Attack
The Dukes have been busy upgrading their offense, bringing in a mix of experienced players and intriguing newcomers.
They’re hoping these additions add depth and versatility, which you always need if you want to go far.
Wide Receivers: New Targets for the Dukes
JMU has picked up several wide receivers, each with their own style and strengths:
- Arrion Concepcion (5’10, 170 lbs) from Kansas State: This freshman still has four years left to play and brings Power Four-level talent. He turned heads in North Carolina during high school, so he’s definitely one to watch.
- Isaiah Alston (6’4, 205 lbs) from Army/Iowa State: Alston stands out as a big receiver with real speed and deep-threat ability. He racked up over 1,000 receiving yards at Army, even with their run-heavy offense. That’s no small feat.
- Nick DeGennaro (6’1, 190 lbs) from Richmond: DeGennaro has 162 catches for 2,002 yards and 16 touchdowns in the last three years. His hands and route-running? Pretty elite, honestly.
Quarterbacks: New Faces Under Center
The Dukes have added two quarterbacks who could shake up the competition:
- Camden Coleman (6’3, 220 lbs) from Richmond: Coleman led Richmond to 10 wins in 2024, throwing for over 2,000 yards and running for 342 more. He’s a legit dual-threat and could easily push for the starting spot.
- Matthew Sluka (6’3, 215 lbs) from Holy Cross/UNLV: Sluka has topped 1,000 rushing yards in both 2022 and 2023. There are some questions about his passing, but his experience and athleticism are obvious assets.
Running Backs and Offensive Line: Boosting the Ground Game
JMU’s also worked to shore up their running game and offensive front:
- Jordan Fuller (6’0, 230 lbs) from Holy Cross: Fuller has 44 career rushing touchdowns and should fit right into JMU’s multi-back offense.
- James Pogorelc (6’8, 300 lbs) from Stanford/Duke: He’s a former four-star recruit who brings size and Power Four experience to left tackle.
Defensive Reinforcements: Fortifying the Defense
The Dukes have targeted their defense too, looking to boost their pass rush, secondary, and overall depth.
Defensive Line: Adding Power and Depth
Some key newcomers are set to make an impact up front:
- Turner Schmidt (6’4, 250 lbs) from Robert Morris: Schmidt reunites with his old defensive coordinator and brings a solid pass-rushing skill set. He tallied 5.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks last year.
- William Robinson (6’5, 275 lbs) from Holy Cross: Robinson can play both end and tackle, which gives the Dukes some much-needed flexibility.
Linebackers: Building a Robust Linebacker Corps
JMU’s linebacker group gets a boost from these additions:
- Jayden Studio (6’1, 225 lbs) from Kent State: Studio made 38 tackles in 2024 and could develop into a starter. He’s got a strong tackling grade and some solid experience.
- Drew Spinogatti (6’1, 230 lbs) from Holy Cross: Spinogatti posted 71 tackles and 6.5 TFLs last season. He brings depth, even if he’s had some up-and-down moments.
Secondary: Enhancing Coverage and Versatility
The Dukes have added some versatile, experienced defensive backs:
- Elijah Culp (5’11, 190 lbs) from Charlotte: Culp’s an athletic DB with a lot of game reps. He’ll be in the mix for a starting job.
- Ken Willis (5’11, 190 lbs) from Cincinnati: Willis has played both corner and safety, so he adds options and competition in the secondary.
Special Teams: Securing the Kicking Game
Special teams can get overlooked, but they matter in tight games.
JMU’s added some reliable legs for their kicking and punting duties.
Kickers and Punters: Reliable Options
The Dukes have brought in experienced specialists:
- Morgan Suarez (5’10, 180 lbs) from FAU: Suarez is a lefty kicker with a career-long of 43 yards and hasn’t missed an extra point.
- Patrick Rea (6’3, 195 lbs) from Louisiana Tech: Rea, who’s likely to take over as JMU’s starting punter, averaged just under 40 yards per punt last year.
Conclusion: A Promising Season Ahead
With these fresh faces from the transfer portal, the JMU Dukes look ready to build on their 2024 success. They’re aiming even higher for 2025, and honestly, who could blame them?
This mix of seasoned veterans and hungry newcomers brings a new layer of depth and flexibility. If you want the full rundown on every new addition, check out the JMU Football Transfer Portal Tracker.
The season’s creeping closer, and fans (plus a few skeptical analysts) are watching to see how these new players fit in. Will they click? Will they surprise us?
Stick around for more updates and some real talk as we follow JMU football’s wild ride through 2025.
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