HARRISONBURG, Va. (JMU Athletics) – Former James Madison defensive end Xavier Holmes has earned an NFL contract with the New England Patriots following a successful rookie minicamp tryout.
Holmes spent his final year of collegiate eligibility with the Dukes in 2025, where he appeared in all 14 games for one of the nation’s leading defenses.
The Clarksburg, Md., native tallied 30 tackles with 7.5 tackles for loss, 6.0 sacks, one fumble recovery, one interception, four breakups and a blocked kick. He was second for the Dukes in both TFL and sacks. He also ranked seventh in the Sun Belt Conference in total sacks.
Prior to joining the Dukes, Holmes spent four seasons at Maine, where he started 23 of games. A 2024 Second Team All-Coastal Athletic Conference selection with the Black Bears, he totaled 123 tackles with 20.0 TFL, 8.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, four recoveries and an interception over his final two seasons in Orono.
Holmes becomes the fourth 2025 JMU senior to sign with an NFL franchise and joins teammate Nick DeGennaro in New England. Other signees include Jacob Thomas (Minnesota Vikings) and Elijah Culp (Arizona Cardinals).
— JMU Athletics —
