James Madison defender Alonza Barnett III plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal, he announced Friday.
After being named Sun Belt Player of the Year and leading the Dukes to the College Football Playoff in 2025, Barnett will leave when the transfer portal officially opens on Jan. 2. The redshirt junior has one more year of eligibility.
An unforgettable 4 years, with love and overwhelming gratitude… some child named Alonza Barnett III🫶🏾 pic.twitter.com/2nBgz35UqD
— Alonza Barnett III™️ (@alonzabiii) December 26, 2025
Barnett threw for 2,806 yards on 58.4% passing, ran for 589 yards and 38 touchdowns during James Madison's run to a 12-2 season and a Sun Belt championship. The 6-foot, 217-pound passer totaled 318 yards and three touchdowns in the Dukes' 51-34 loss to the No. 5 seed. Oregon in the program's first-ever CFP game.
He was a two-year starter under coach Bob Chesney and has a 21-6 record as a starter during his time under Chesney and former coach Curt Cignetti.
Chesney left James Madison to become the team's new head coach. UCLA earlier this month. The Bruins have already re-signed their starting defenseman. Niko Yamaleava and announced that it will return in 2026.
The Dukes Hired Former Florida Coach Billy Napier will take over from Chesney on December 4th.
