Illinois Football news: 3-star Florida RB Javari Barnett Commits to the Illini

NEWS: Illinois football lands the commitment of class of 2026 three-star running back Javari Barnett. Barnett was just on the Illinois campus over the weekend for an official visit and picked the Illini over impressive offers. The Tampa Bay native also held offers from the likes of Alabama, South Carolina, Ole Miss, Michigan State, and many other power-five programs. As of right now, Barnett is the number 445 prospect in the class of 2026. Per Jeremy Werner of IlliniInquirer, Barnett ran an impressive 11.06 100-meter dash last year.

At 6 foot, 205 pounds, Javari Barnett has the frame of an every-down back and has outstanding vision, per his film. He is the 11th overall commitment to the class of 2026 which is turning out to be an impressive one. There is a long way to go in the recruiting cycle; however, the Illinois football class of 2026 ranks as the 11th-ranked class per the 247sports rankings

An impressive Illini running back room

Even right now, Illinois football holds an incredibly impressive running back room. If healthy, the room consists of Kaden Feagin, Josh McCray, Aidan Laughery and Ca’lil Valentine. On top of that, running back coach Thad Ward has made it a priority to add young speedsters to the room. He did exactly that with the class of 2025 backs, John Forster and Cedric Wyche. When Feagin, McCray, and Laughery run out of eligibility or turn professional, Valentine, Forster, Wyche, and Barnett will be an impressive blend of speed and playmaking ability for Illinois football.

 

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