Illinois Lands 2026 RB Javari Barnett in Key Recruiting Win
The University of Illinois football program secured a commitment from three-star 2026 running back Javari Barnett out of Tampa Bay Tech (Florida). The 6-foot, 205-pound back chose the Illini over offers from Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, Penn State, USC, and multiple other Power 5 programs.
Barnett, ranked as a top-450 national prospect, brings an intriguing blend of size and speed to Champaign. Despite playing just three games as a junior due to a meniscus injury, he averaged 8.3 yards per carry with four touchdowns. His 11.06-second 100-meter dash speed demonstrates the breakaway ability Illinois prioritized.
Running backs coach Thad Ward spearheaded the recruitment, continuing Illinois’ successful pipeline to Florida. Barnett becomes the program’s fourth Florida commit in the 2026 class, joining QB Michael Clayton and others. The Illini have now signed 18 Florida prospects under Bret Bielema.
Barnett’s skill set complements Illinois’ evolving backfield. He projects as a physical between-the-tackles runner with home-run hitting potential, providing long-term depth behind current backs like Ca’Lil Valentine. His commitment reinforces Illinois’ emphasis on adding speed to the position group.
With two high school seasons remaining, Barnett has time to fully recover from his knee injury before contributing to an Illini rushing attack that’s becoming a program strength under Bielema’s run-focused system.
