Curt Cignetti opens up on JMU losing Jalen Green to season-ending injury

The JMU Dukes have been one of the most impressive stories in college football this season. They’ve long been one of the most dominant programs in Division I-AA, but the Dukes finally decided to make the jump to Division I-A in the summer of 2023.

In their first season as members of the Sun Belt Conference, JMU currently sits at 9-0, despite being hit with numerous critical injuries. The team recently lost star pass rusher Jalen Green to a season-ending injury. On the Wednesday evening edition of the Andy Staples show, Dukes head coach Curt Cignetti discussed losing one of his best players.

How will his handle losing Green moving forward?

“Yeah, it’s the next man up mentality. You know, we’ve lost both starting offensive tackles. We lost both starting linebackers at Virginia. We lost two starters in the opener. And now Jalen Green, who’s having a phenomenal season. Was gonna break the national record for sacks. And I felt terrible for him, but I’m also happy that he caught the attention of the NFL scouts. So, you know, we’ll do some shuffling around. And some guys will get an opportunity for increased reps. But you know, we’ll be alright,” Cignetti said.

Through nine games, Jalen Green was leading the nation in sacks (15.5) and tackles for loss (21). He figures to be a top selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Curt Cignetti on his transfer portal philosophy

James Madison kicked down the door when they entered the Sun Belt last season. One year later, they’re one of six undefeated teams left in the FBS entering Week 11.

Looking to improve to 10-0 on the season — head coach Curt Cignetti is preparing to lose talent in mass this offseason as JMU continues to succeed on the field and see his players get offered the glitz and glamor of playing Power Five college football.

At the end of the day, Cignetti is confident that the culture he has built will remain no matter who is wearing his program’s jersey.

“Everybody’s, going to lose a couple of guys that you didn’t expect to lose on big NIL deals to Power Five SEC schools,” Cignetti told On3’s Andy Staples. “But I put a high price on character. I’m a little bit old-fashioned. My dad was a coach. I’ll still look at a transcript and look at how many absences a guy has. We’ve had great success with guys that have played at the FCS level. A lot of those guys have done a lot better than the P5 transfer.

“You’re looking for a guy who’s got the ability to be a good player but also has the character, work habits and will fit in. But one thing about when you got a great culture like we do these guys end up playing well.”

At 9-0 on the season, of course that culture will be translated on the field. Aside from a couple of scares, not to mention their 36-35 victory over Virginia during Week 2, James Madison has cruised through the first three quarters of the season, and are well on track to end the regular season undefeated.

Still, the Dukes have yet to crack the College Football Playoff rankings despite appearing in the AP Top 25 Poll in recent weeks. Of course, James Madison also cannot compete in the postseason as teams transitioning from FCS to FBS, by rule, must wait two years before becoming eligible for bowls.

JMU will look to remain undefeated this weekend against the 1-8 UConn Huskies. The Dukes are 24.5-point favorites heading into the matchup, according to Vegas Insider, and will likely be favored next week at home against Appalachian State. The season finale on the road against Coastal Carolina could be an entirely different story.

On3’s Barkley Truax also contributed to this article.