2 Players Bob Chesney Should Bring With Him to UCLA

With roster changes inevitable, here are three JMU playmakers who could be Bruins

Sep 5, 2025; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; James Madison Dukes head coach Bob Chesney talks with tight end Lacota Dippre (15) during the first quarter against the Louisville Cardinals at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images | Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images

After hiring Bob Chesney, this comes with plenty of hype, as well as plenty of roster implications.

Most head coaches, after getting a new job, especially after moving up to a team of similar stature to UCLA's, tend to bring with them some of the players that made them so successful in the first place. JMU currently stands at 11-1, and a lot of that success can be attributed to these players.

Alonza Barnett III | QB

Sep 5, 2025; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; James Madison Dukes quarterback Alonza Barnett III (14) looks to pass against the Louisville Cardinals during the first half at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Louisville defeated James Madison 28-14. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images | Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images

UCLA already has a star quarterback in Nico Iamaleava; however, there is a sizeable chance that he decides to hit the transfer portal to re-establish himself on a different team. If this isn't the case, Chesney could have a dilemma on his hands if he decides to bring junior Alonza Barnett III.

Barnett really showed this season that he is the real deal. He had completed a solid 61.6% of his passes, 2,440, 20 touchdowns, on just seven interceptions. On the ground, he has been even more impressive with 458 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Sep 21, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; James Madison Dukes quarterback Alonza Barnett III (14) celebrates after scoring atouchdown in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

If he decides not to follow Chesney, there will still be a huge market for him. If he does, it will be interesting to see what these implications mean for Iamaleava; quarterback battle incoming?

Wayne Knight | RB

Sep 5, 2025; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; James Madison Dukes running back Wayne Knight (3) runs the ball against the Louisville Cardinals during the first half at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images | Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images

Easily, the backbone of Chesney’s No. 10 nationally ranked offense at JMU has been Wayne Knight, who has been outstanding on the ground all season. There’s no question that one of UCLA’s biggest downfalls this year was the absence of a reliable running game, making Knight’s potential impact even more significant.

Jalen Berger, the Bruins’ leading rusher behind Iamaleava, is a senior with one year of eligibility remaining. He’s also eligible for the NFL Draft, making this offseason a pivotal decision point for him. If he leaves, it will create a massive hole in the offense, something Knight will be able to fill.

Sep 5, 2025; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; James Madison Dukes running back Wayne Knight (3) tries to avoid the tackle of Louisville Cardinals linebacker Antonio Watts (9) during the first half at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Louisville defeated James Madison 28-14. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images | Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images

This season, Knight carried the ball 169 times for 1,051 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging an impressive 6.2 yards per carry. His eight touchdowns match the total rushing touchdowns of the entire UCLA team this season.

Holy Cross head coach Bob Chesney runs onto the field with the team for their homecoming game versus Colgate University on Saturday September 23, 2023 at Fitton Field in Worcester. | Photo/Alan Arsenault / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Bruins’ offseason is shaping up to be one for the ages. Chesney, renowned for winning wherever he goes, will want to hit the ground running the moment he sets foot in Pasadena. With a wave of roster changes likely on the way, it will be fascinating to see what direction he chooses to take this team.

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