Ked's Recruiting Roundup: Illinois' Persistence Pays Off; RB Javari Barnett Switches Back to Illini

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Sr. Recruiting Analyst

December 3, 2025

(Cover photo courtesy player's X page)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois landed a major recruiting victory as running back Javari Barnett decommitted from Alabama and returned to the Illini’s 2026 class. Barnett, once an Illinois pledge, had continued communication with the staff even after committing to the Crimson Tide. That persistence paid off; the Tampa Bay Tech standout will now wear orange and blue next season.

Barnett, a 5-foot-11, 205-pound running back, held offers from Alabama, Florida, Auburn, Iowa, Baylor, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Ole Miss, and Tennessee . . .

 

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