Alonza Barnett III Enters Transfer Portal After Historic Season at James Madison
After leading James Madison to one of the most remarkable seasons in program history, quarterback Alonza Barnett III is officially entering the NCAA transfer portal. It’s the end of a defining chapter in Harrisonburg - and the beginning of a new opportunity for one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the country.
Barnett was the engine behind a 12-2 campaign that saw the Dukes run the table in Sun Belt play, capture the conference title, and earn a spot in the College Football Playoff. Their postseason run ended in a high-scoring shootout against Oregon, but the message was clear: JMU isn’t just a feel-good story anymore - they’re a legitimate national player. And Barnett was at the center of it all.
A Dual-Threat Dynamo
Statistically, Barnett’s season speaks for itself. He threw for 2,806 yards, completing just under 60% of his passes, with 23 touchdowns and 8 interceptions.
But the numbers only tell part of the story. What made Barnett so valuable to the Dukes was his ability to keep defenses guessing.
He wasn’t just a passer - he was one of the team’s most dangerous runners, racking up 589 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns. That versatility made him a nightmare to scheme against and a constant spark for the JMU offense.
Over the course of his career, Barnett has totaled 5,433 passing yards and 49 touchdown passes, while adding 1,075 rushing yards and 23 scores on the ground. That kind of production helped him earn 2025 Sun Belt Player of the Year honors - a fitting capstone to a season (and career) that far exceeded expectations.
From Underrated Recruit to Playoff Star
Barnett’s journey to this point wasn’t paved with five-star hype or national headlines. Coming out of high school, he was a three-star recruit in the 2022 class, ranked outside the top 1,700 nationally and listed as the No. 116 quarterback in his class. But once he got to Harrisonburg, he put in the work, developed his game, and became the face of a team that made history.
That underdog-to-star arc is part of what makes Barnett’s story so compelling. He didn’t just meet expectations - he blew past them. And now, with the transfer portal opening on January 2, he’ll have the chance to take that next step on a bigger stage.
Timing and Transition
Barnett’s decision comes as James Madison enters a new era. Former head coach Bob Chesney has taken the reins at UCLA, creating a shift in direction for the program.
While some speculated about a potential reunion out west, UCLA’s quarterback room appears set, with Nico Iamaleava staying put. That leaves Barnett with a clean slate and a wide-open market.
With his mix of experience, leadership, and playmaking ability, Barnett figures to be one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in this transfer cycle. He’s battle-tested, playoff-proven, and capable of changing a game with his arm or his legs - the kind of quarterback who can walk into a Power Five locker room and compete from day one.
What Comes Next
Barnett now has until January 16 to explore his options and connect with interested programs. And there will be plenty of them.
Teams across the country are looking for quarterbacks who can elevate their offense, and Barnett fits that mold. He’s not just a system guy - he’s a gamer, someone who can extend plays, lead a locker room, and deliver in big moments.
Wherever he lands, Barnett brings with him a résumé built on resilience, production, and leadership. He helped lift James Madison to new heights. Now, he’s ready for his next challenge - and don’t be surprised if he makes another program a whole lot better in 2026.