Maiden is a potential replacement for Alonza Barnett III for the reigning Sun Belt champs.
A new standard has been set at James Madison.
The Dukes are fresh off their first-ever Sun Belt title, complemented with an appearance in the College Football Playoff. While James Madison must replenish in a multitude of areas for 2026, ranging from head coach to quarterback, it’s nothing the program hasn’t done in the past.
After starting quarterback Alonza Barnett III transferred to UCF, JMU found a potential replacement in the portal. The Dukes received a commitment from Memphis quarterback Arrington Maiden who is expected to compete for the starting role in 2026.
The College Station, TX native spent two seasons at Memphis, utilizing a redshirt in 2024 and earning his first reps as a passer in 2025 — serving as a backup in both seasons. Maiden made his first appearance of the 2025 campaign during the Tigers’ dramatic Week 4 comeback vs. Arkansas. Starting quarterback Brendon Lewis was required to check out due to his helmet coming off, thrusting Maiden into the game for a critical 3rd and 8. The 6’2”, 204 pound quarterback pushed an entire pile of Arkansas defenders past the sticks on an 11-yard run, sealing a 32-31 victory for Memphis.
Maiden briefly checked into other games as Lewis dealt with recurring injuries throughout the year. His most substantial playing time transpired in early November vs. Tulane, where he finished 4-of-6 with 51 yards passing, as well as 35 yards rushing and a touchdown. Maiden was Memphis’ usual option as the No. 2 quarterback, but true freshman AJ Hill (who transferred to Arkansas) also served in a second-string role in some situations throughout the year.
Maiden arrives at James Madison with career stats of 5-of-10 for 59 yards as a passer, to go along with 76 rushing yards and a touchdown. He was ranked the No. 52 quarterback by ESPN and the No. 49 quarterback by 247Sports in the 2024 recruiting class. With three years of eligibility remaining, he is currently slated to replace Barnett as the Dukes’ quarterback as the team aims to repeat as Sun Belt champions.
Meanwhile, Memphis lost both freshman backups — Maiden and Hill — causing the Tigers to go in a different direction at quarterback. Memphis brought in Division II standout Marcus Stokes, who was a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy (the Division II equivalent of the Heisman).
Category: General Sports
