Greenberg and Thomas Garner Preseason All-Sun Belt Nod from Athlon Sports

HARRISONBURG, Va. – James Madison football's Zach Greenberg and Amar Thomas were both named to the 2026 Athlon Sports Preseason All-Sun Belt Team, as announced in its preseason magazine.

This year's Athlon preseason all-conference team is comprised of just one team, as opposed to its four-team layout a season ago.

Greenberg, a Second Team All-Sun Belt selection in 2025, started all 14 games at center last season. He was part of an offensive line that helped JMU rank top 30 in the FBS in seven categories, which included ranking ninth in scoring (37.1) and 15th in total offense (452.6). JMU was also second nationally in time of possession (34:13), sixth in rushing (241.5), 18th on third down (46.9%), 21st in yards per completion (13.14) and 22nd in first downs (22.57).

Thomas also started every game for the Dukes at defensive end and was an Honorable Mention All-Sun Belt pick. He tallied 43 tackles with 6.5 tackles or loss and 2.5 sacks, aiding a JMU defense that ranked fifth in total defense (266.6) and 13th in scoring defense (18.4). The Dukes were also fifth in rushing defense (85.1) and sixth on third down (29.4%).

Additionally, Lindy's unveiled its Preseason All-Sun Belt Team in its preseason magazine, which included seven total selections.

Joining Greenberg and Thomas on Lindy's First Team were George Pettaway and Javis Mynatt, while the trio of Daniel Michel, Kei'Trone Simpson and Frankie Tinilau were tabbed to the Second Team.

The official preseason all-conference team from the Sun Belt Conference will be unveiled by the league ahead of Sun Belt Football Media Days, which takes place July 15-16 in New Orleans.

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