As Indiana prepares for the national championship, the effect of its former coach on his former employers remains. James Madison, late of the College Football Playoff, continues to make progress without its head coach. Find out how the Dukes continue to ascend the college football ladder.
Indiana HC Curt Cignetti Impacts James Madison as Transfer Portal Brings Talent to Former Program
James Madison, to the surprise of many, continues to enjoy a successful transfer portal season. With just four years as an FBS team, the Dukes continue to become a national story. Now, with the transfer portal bonanza, the team can continue its upward trend. PFSN writer Ian Cummings broke down the success.
“Elite coaching has a residual effect,” Cummings said. It changes programs forever even after those coaches move on to other opportunities. James Madison has experienced the residual effect of Curt Cignetti’s presence. Not only have the Dukes already established themselves as a Group of Six powerhouse and a respectable CFB Playoff inclusion just four years after making the FBS leap, but Cignetti’s own imprint has outlasted his tenure.”
Cummings asserted that James Madison’s success, even without the coach who led them to FBS, is a testament to his success. Cignetti wins everywhere he goes. During his 15-year career as a head coach, he’s made eight bowl games or the playoffs 11 times.
More importantly, during those playoff appearances, his teams have advanced past the first round seven times. Cignetti is a roster builder, not just recruiting starters but landing role players with the ceiling to start games.
“The challenge for the Dukes will be reloading once again after Bob Chesney’s departure. And in truth, the Dukes’ top performers may always have eyes on more lucrative NIL opportunities and prestige, making this a potential annual cycle to weather,” Cummings added.
Cummings addressed the issue of the now-former head coach, Bob Chesney, departing for UCLA. The Dukes, although named for a president, lack the type of funding typically associated with the presidency. Yet the new head coach is making waves.
Billy Napier, who coached Florida to two bowl appearances in four seasons, used his experience recruiting for a Power Four school to his advantage. Under Napier’s watch, JMU will bring in talent from all reaches of the football world. Three in particular could provide a boost. Last season, Napier’s Gators held the No. 56 spot in PFSN’s CFB Offense Impact Rankings.
Redshirt freshman left tackle Kaden Massie (Kansas State) could push for time. With three years of remaining eligibility, he could find his way onto the field playing Sun Belt competition. Guard Tyler Brown (Colorado) heads to James Madison from Colorado with a year left. Brown will provide depth behind the starters, acting as a potential insurance policy.
Stepping away from the trenches, Napier signed former LSU redshirt wideout Kylan Billiot. Billiot played in one game without recording a statistic. However, three years of eligibility and a 6’3″ frame bring a potentially big-play wideout to the program.
Cignetti and his current team will play in the CFP National Championship. Meanwhile in Harrisonburg, Napier looks to keep James Madison thriving.
