A well-traveled receiver who played for three different programs, Nick DeGennaro capped his college career with a historic College Football Playoff touchdown for James Madison.
Nick DeGennaro's college career wound through Maryland, Richmond and finally James Madison, where he became a key contributor on a historic 2025 Dukes team. The New Jersey native made program history in his final college game before going undrafted in 2026 and signing with the New England Patriots, who see him as a speed threat in the slot.
Path to the league
DeGennaro, from Old Bridge, New Jersey, began his career at Maryland in 2020-21 before transferring to Richmond, where he played three seasons from 2022-24. He made a final move to James Madison for his redshirt senior season in 2025, joining a Dukes team built for a College Football Playoff push.
Career highlights
Over his three-program career, DeGennaro caught 193 passes for 2,544 yards and 21 touchdowns, averaging 13.2 yards per catch, and started 39 of 56 games played. His combination of experience and deep speed made him a valued veteran presence in JMU's 2025 receiving corps.
2025 season recap
In his lone season at James Madison, DeGennaro caught 28 passes for 500 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 17.9 yards per reception, while starting 13 of 14 games. He capped the year by becoming the first player in James Madison, Sun Belt Conference, or Virginia program history to score a touchdown in the College Football Playoff, hauling in a 47-yard score. He signed with the New England Patriots as a priority undrafted free agent after the 2026 NFL Draft.
Sources
- ESPN: Nick DeGennaro player page
- James Madison Athletics: Nick DeGennaro Signs Deal with New England Patriots
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Wide Receiver
- Group
- offense
- College
- James Madison
- Hometown
- Old Bridge, NJ, USA
- Age
- 25
- Status
- active
