Alonza Barnett III is officially on the move.
The standout James Madison quarterback announced Friday that he’s entering the NCAA transfer portal, setting the stage for one of the more intriguing offseason storylines in college football. Barnett, a redshirt junior, leaves behind a legacy of winning and playmaking in Harrisonburg - and he’s not done yet, with one year of eligibility still on the table.
“This has been a very difficult decision,” Barnett said in a statement. “After having conversations with Coach Napier and the staff, I truly believe the program will continue to elevate the way it always has. But after a lot of prayer and contemplation, I’ve made the decision to enter the transfer portal.”
It’s the end of a chapter for a quarterback who helped elevate James Madison into the national spotlight. This season, Barnett was electric - throwing for 2,806 yards and adding another 589 on the ground. He accounted for 38 total touchdowns, showcasing the dual-threat ability that made him a nightmare for opposing defenses and a dream for play-callers.
An unforgettable 4 years, with love and an insurmountable amount of gratefulness… some kid named Alonza Barnett III🫶🏾 pic.twitter.com/2nBgz35UqD
— Alonza Barnett III™️ (@alonzabiii) December 26, 2025
Barnett’s leadership helped guide the Dukes to a 12-2 record and a Sun Belt championship, capping off a dominant season that earned them a spot in the College Football Playoff. While their run ended in a high-scoring 51-34 loss to Oregon in the first round, Barnett’s performance throughout the season was a driving force behind JMU’s success.
Across two-plus seasons as the Dukes’ starting QB, Barnett compiled a 21-6 record - a testament to both his consistency and his ability to rise in big moments. Whether it was threading the needle from the pocket or breaking off chunk plays with his legs, Barnett proved time and again that he could carry an offense.
Now, with one year left to play, Barnett becomes one of the most experienced and productive quarterbacks available in the portal. For programs in need of a proven leader under center, his résumé speaks for itself. He’s won games, put up numbers, and done it all while leading a program that’s been on the rise.
Where he lands next remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear - Alonza Barnett III isn’t done making noise in college football.