James Madison wide receiver Landon Ellis entered the transfer portal. With one year left, the rising senior will have plenty of quality programs to consider. Which team will he choose to finish his college journey?
UCLA
Of all the choices, UCLA stands out due to the connection between Ellis and new Bruins head coach Bob Chesney, who worked together at JMU. Chesney’s spread offense favors vertical plays; Ellis averaged 17.3 yards per reception and scored five touchdowns.
If Ellis chooses UCLA, he could thrive as a quarterback, as Nico Iamaleava utilizes mobile pocket movement to find serious threats like him downfield.
Indiana
Indiana is another option. Although Curt Cignetti and Ellis did not overlap at JMU, Indiana has recently benefited from the presence of former JMU players. For example, Elijah Sarratt led Indiana with 13 touchdown grabs last year. In the Hoosiers’ RPO Spread, receivers need to block effectively.
Ellis’ size and physicality would be an asset; his abilities match what Indiana seeks, based on the success of prior JMU transfers like Sarratt.
Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech presents a compelling in-state choice for Ellis, who is originally from Orange, Va. New head coach James Franklin aims to establish a potent offense, and adding a big-play receiver like Ellis could help attract more skilled talent.
Ellis’ contributions could influence future recruiting, especially considering the recent investments by Virginia Tech in its athletic program and its ambition to excel in the ACC.
NC State
NC State is appealing due to its NIL resources and desire to add big, physical wideouts. The Wolfpack is looking to strengthen its position in the ACC. Last season, their offense ranked No. 22 in PFSN’s College Football Offensive Impact metric.
If Ellis were to join, his talent could prompt the Wolfpack to assemble more skilled players, thereby aggressively boosting their conference standing.
Virginia
Virginia, much like Virginia Tech, offers Ellis a familiar destination closer to home. With Jahmal Edrine, a similarly sized wideout, having exhausted his eligibility, a key role is now open.
Ellis’s strengths on the outside could help fill that gap. UVA’s recent 11-win season may also indicate a team ready to re-enter national prominence, making this a potentially good fit for Ellis.
Ellis, like many Group of Five players, is often overlooked due to limited exposure. He did, however, average 27.7 yards per catch on three receptions against Oregon. On balance, that illustrates what the former Duke can accomplish against the toughest competition in FBS.
