RELOAD: JMU Dukes Face Massive Changes as Billy Napier ERA Gets Underway

JMU Dukes face a pivotal season: Are they reloading or rebuilding under new Head Coach Billy Napier? With a near-total roster overhaul following last year’s Sun Belt Championship run and Bob Chesney’s departure to UCLA, all eyes are on the quarterback battle featuring Cam Coleman, J.C. Evans, Arrington Maiden, and Davi Belfort. Can the Dukes sustain their championship momentum, or will the loss of key players prove too much to overcome? Dave Schultz breaks down JMU’s 2026 outlook, scrutinizing Napier’s quarterback strategy and the impact of a grueling schedule—including four straight national TV games and no bye until late November. Key storylines include George Pettaway’s comeback, the challenge of meeting high fan expectations, and how the Dukes stack up against rivals like App State, Troy, and Coastal Carolina.