As the Oregon Ducks prepare for their College Football Playoff matchup, they’ll line up across from a James Madison team that’s been one of the most compelling stories in the sport this season. The Dukes come in with a 12-1 record, an undefeated Sun Belt campaign under their belts, and a roster that’s a fascinating mix of overlooked high school prospects, transfer portal additions, and a few blue-chip names who’ve found their footing in Harrisonburg.
Let’s dive into the talent the Ducks will face on Saturday - and it’s not just about stars and recruiting rankings. This JMU team has built its identity on development, depth, and a chip-on-the-shoulder mentality that’s helped fuel their rise.
Underdogs on Paper, But Not in Spirit
According to the 247Sports Team Talent Composite, James Madison ranks No. 127 nationally for the 2025 season. That puts them at the bottom of the FBS in terms of high school recruiting pedigree - and yes, Oregon hasn’t faced a team all year with a lower composite ranking. But that number doesn’t tell the whole story.
JMU’s roster includes three former four-star recruits and 35 three-star prospects. That might not scream “Playoff contender,” but the Dukes have proven that stars don’t always translate to Saturdays.
Their resume includes a 24-20 win over Washington State and a lone loss - a 28-14 defeat at Louisville. Now, they enter their first game against a ranked opponent as 20-point underdogs, but if this season has taught us anything, it’s that James Madison doesn’t care much for expectations.
The Top 10 Recruits - And Where They Stand
The Dukes’ highest-rated recruits are largely from their 2024 class, and many are still developing or carving out roles. This is a program that hasn’t relied on immediate impact from big-name freshmen. Instead, they’ve leaned into experience and internal growth.
That said, the top of their recruiting board is worth noting. While not all of these players are starters or stars yet, they represent the foundation of what JMU is building - and could be key names to watch in the years ahead.
The Transfer Portal: A Game-Changer in Harrisonburg
Where JMU has really made waves is in the transfer portal. They brought in more than 30 transfers last offseason - a massive haul that reshaped the roster and added much-needed depth and experience. While the Team Talent Composite doesn’t account for portal rankings, these additions have been instrumental in the Dukes’ success.
Several of their top contributors came via the portal, including their top two wide receivers - both 83-rated transfers who’ve become go-to targets in the passing game. These aren’t just depth pieces; they’re central to what JMU does offensively.
Built, Not Bought: The Stars Who Defied the Rankings
Some of JMU’s most impactful players weren’t highly recruited, and that’s part of what makes this team so intriguing.
Take quarterback Alonza Barnett. He came in as a three-star prospect with an 80 rating and won the starting job over 88-rated transfer Matthew Sluka. Barnett’s leadership and poise have been critical to the Dukes’ run, and his ability to manage the offense and make plays when needed has kept defenses honest all year.
Then there’s Wayne Knight, the All-American running back who began his career as a walk-on. Yes, a walk-on. Now, he’s one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the country - a testament to both his work ethic and the Dukes’ player development.
And while their receiving corps may not feature household names, it’s a reliable, efficient unit built through the portal. They don’t drop passes.
They move the chains. They make the most of their opportunities.
What It All Means for Oregon
The Ducks are the more talented team on paper - that’s not in question. But Saturday’s matchup isn’t about paper. It’s about execution, physicality, and who can handle the moment.
James Madison may not have a roster full of blue-chip recruits, but they’ve got something just as dangerous: belief. They’ve won tough games, leaned on each other, and built a culture that thrives on proving people wrong.
Oregon has the firepower. But JMU has the fight. And if the Ducks overlook the Dukes for even a second, they might find themselves in a dogfight with a team that’s been defying expectations all season long.