Jaylan Sanchez has quickly emerged as an integral piece of James Madison University’s Sun Belt Championship–winning squad. After transferring from Villanova, Sanchez has made an immediate impact with the Dukes and now finds himself on the cusp of history, as JMU eyes a potential first-ever College Football Playoff appearance this season. As his profile continues to rise, here’s a closer look at who Jaylan Sanchez is, from his hometown and family roots to his background, ethnicity, and more.

Where is Jaylan Sanchez from, and what is his nationality?

Jaylan Sanchez was born on December 10, 2003, to Jorge and Marice Sanchez, the youngest of three children raised in North Bergen, New Jersey. He grew up alongside his older siblings, including his brother Jorge, who played college football at Virginia Tech. Sanchez attended St. Peter’s Prep in New Jersey, where he competed for three seasons and established himself as one of the state’s top athletes.

He earned first-team all-state honors as a junior after being named a third-team all-state selection as a sophomore. In addition to football, Sanchez excelled in track and field, emerging as a national long jump contender during his high school career. He later transferred to St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he posted 1,850 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns, earning third-team all-state recognition.

Upon graduation, Sanchez held nine scholarship offers and ultimately committed to Villanova as part of the 2022 recruiting class. During his three seasons with the Wildcats, Sanchez continued to elevate his game, setting a Villanova school record as a sophomore by averaging 25.6 yards per reception. He also excelled academically, earning placement on the AD’s Honor Roll and the CAA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll in Spring 2024.

Sanchez transferred to James Madison University in January 2025. The 6-foot senior recorded 360 receiving yards on 28 catches with one touchdown and now plays a key role on JMU’s Sun Belt Championship-winning team, which is pursuing the program’s first-ever College Football Playoff appearance.

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What is Jaylan Sanchez’s ethnicity?

Jaylan Sanchez is of Dominican American descent. Although he was born in the United States, his family roots trace back to the Dominican Republic, and Spanish remains an important part of his household, with his parents speaking the language fluently. That cultural connection played a meaningful role in his recruitment to James Madison University. During an official visit to JMU with his parents, Sanchez and his family met wide receivers coach Justin Harper.

The meeting resonated on a deeper level when Harper spoke to them in Spanish, revealing that he shared the same ethnic background as the Sanchez family. That moment of cultural familiarity helped strengthen the bond between Sanchez, his family, and the JMU coaching staff, making the transition feel both natural and welcoming.

“She has the same ethnicity as my parents,” Sanchez said. “His significant other spoke Spanish, so he was like, ‘Oh, wow, this is going to be perfect.’ It was a great thing. When I saw the smile on my mom’s face,” Sanchez said, “it was kind of a closed deal for me.”

Sanchez said that he wasn’t a guy who got lost in the portal. By the time he committed to JMU, he had over 20 offers from FBS programs, and the Dukes just happened to be the right spot for him.

What is Jaylan Sanchez’s religion?

Jaylan Sanchez is a Christian and a devotee of Lord Jesus. His social media posts and stories reveal how much he believes in God. He lives by the Bible verse and puts God first, over others.