Alabama Flips 4-Star RB From Big Ten Program
Entering June, the Alabama Crimson Tide had just five hard commits for the 2026 class, a stark contrast from their elite recruiting efforts in years prior.
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On Monday, Alabama landed their fourth verbal commit in the last three weeks in the form of four-star running back Javari Barnett.
An Illinois Fighting Illini commit, Barnett flipped his commitment to the SEC power. Barnett visited Tuscaloosa this weekend, marking just his second official visit of his recruitment, with the running back touring Illinois last April.
Jan 13, 2024; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; The University of Alabama introduced new head football coach Kalen DeBoer with a press conference at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Nicole and Kalen DeBoer hold up an Alabama jersey after the press conference. © Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News / USA TODAY NETWORK
Head coach Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide staff undoubtedly made a good impression on Barnett, as the Tampa, Florida native ditched his plans to join the Fighting Illini.
Barnett is the second of two commitment flips for the Alabama Crimson Tide on Monday. Alongside Barnett, three-star safety Rihyael Kelley flipped his commitment from the Rutgers Scarlet Knights to the Tide.
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As for Barnett, he becomes the first running back to give a verbal commitment to the Crimson Tide for 2026. At Tampa Bay Tech last season, the six-foot rusher averaged 83 rushing yards per game on 8.3 yards per attempt. He ran for 482 yards and eight touchdowns the year prior.
Alabama's 2026 recruiting group continues to strengthen as the summer months continue. According to 247Sports, they now have the 28th-ranked recruiting class for 2026, following the verbal commitments of Barnett and Kelley. Five-star cornerback Jorden Edmonds highlights the recruiting class. He is the top-ranked corner in the country and the second best player in the state of Georgia, according to the 247Sports database.
Related: Alabama 4-Star Commit Shuts Down Recruitment
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
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