JMU Welcomes Holy Cross Football Team and Coaching Staff Led by Bob Chesney for New Season
The Holy Cross football team made history this season, securing their fifth straight Patriot League title in a dominating final game against the Georgetown Hoyas, played at Fitton Field. This victory marked the first undefeated regular season for Holy Cross in over 30 years.
Several notable players, including Ben Lepper '25, the Chief Sports Editor at Holy Cross, and Ben Kuchipudi '25, the Sports Editor, played their final game at Fitton Field. Among the standout performers was Curtis Harris-Lopez, who won four consecutive Patriot League titles as a safety for Holy Cross, and Matthew Sluka, a four-time Patriot League champion and FCS All-American quarterback.
Following their impressive run at Holy Cross, Harris-Lopez, Sluka, and head coach Bob Chesney have moved to James Madison University (JMU), an FBS program. Chesney, a historically great coach at Holy Cross, led the team to five consecutive Patriot League titles before his departure. Last season, Tyler Purdy, Pat McMurtrie, Terrence Spence, and Jacob Dobbs also joined Chesney at JMU.
The move of key personnel from Holy Cross appears to have positively influenced JMU's football program. Under Chesney in his second year, JMU has strengthened both offense and defense through strategic roster building. The team boasts a strong backfield with multiple running backs and quarterback talent, as well as a defense supported by experienced returners and 13 transfers.
JMU's ability to retain key players and incorporate new talents through transfers and coaching hires, such as Jack Sprague joining in 2025 as Associate Director of Athletic Performance, indicates organizational stability and focus on program success. This suggests that the movement from Holy Cross contributes to maintaining continuity by replenishing the roster and coaching staff with experienced personnel familiar with competitive programs.
Meanwhile, Holy Cross is undergoing changes due to its success. Dan Curran is the new coach at Holy Cross, and Joe Pesansky is the new starting quarterback. Chris Smith, a former offensive coordinator for Holy Cross football, has joined the New York Giants.
As the 2025 season approaches, expectations are high for both Holy Cross and JMU. While specific impacts on Holy Cross’s football continuity and success are not yet clear, the enhancement seen at JMU underscores the broader positive effect of such transitions on a program seeking to improve its competitive standing.
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