Could Alonza Barnett III be an option at quarterback?

As James Madison is in the midst of competing in the College Football Playoff right now. Players focus will mainly be on their game against Oregon. If they win, they will move onto the next round. If they lose, there will be lots of talk about where players are going to be playing next year. One of those players is Alonza Barnett III. The dual threat quarterback for the Dukes that can throw and run. He had a better 2024 campaign throwing the ball. But 2025 was better for him on the ground.

In 2025 he threw for 21 touchdowns and 8 interceptions, compared to 26 touchdowns and 4 interceptions in 2024. His completion percentage also dipped to sub 60%. His feet helped lead to 544 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns. Proving when plays breakdown he adds the threat of being able to take off and extend drives. That can be a good thing but also leads to rushing to judgement and looking to run rather than run through all reads of a play.

Now it is not set in stone that Nico Iamaleava leaves. If he stays and Bob Chesney sees more potential in him. He is the outright starter. Iamaleava has the higher ceiling and with the right tools like an offensive line, he can succeed. Barnett III has one year of eligibility left, so UCLA regardless will be on the hunt for a quarterback in 2027. Which will be Chesney’s first full offseason to start recruiting and bringing in his guys.

There are going to be lots of talk about James Madison players in coming weeks. Barnett III is a name to keep an eye on. If Iamaleava leaves, he could step in and be a great stopgap. Also, the understanding of Chesney helps and gets them to 2027 to see about the next era at QB. They will need to build a good offensive line for whoever is there calling the shots and making the reads. Because if that play continues, you will have a tough time finding someone to succeed with the pocket collapsing every play.