CHAMPAIGN — Illinois football gained a surprise commitment from a Class of 2026 running back who originally had flipped from the Illini to Alabama.
Javari Barnett, a three-star running back out of Tampa, Florida, signed with Illinois on Wednesday, Dec. 3, ending his Alabama commitment, according to the Tuscaloosa News. Barnett, who originally gave a verbal commitment to Illinois, had flipped to the Crimson Tide on June 23, 2025.
Later Wednesday, the Illini flipped another commit. Micah Smith of Florida, a 4-star offensive lineman from Florida, signed with Illinois after flipping from UCLA.
Barnett is one of 30 players to sign so far for the Illini during signing day, as of 2 p.m. Wednesday. All players who previously committed to Illinois have signed as of late morning, according to the team’s social media.
Barnett is the No. 474 player and the No. 32 running back in the 2026 recruiting class, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings. He is one of two running backs in the Illini’s Class of 2026, along with Nelsyn Wheeler of Nebraska.
Illinois football 2026 recruiting class
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Illinois football lands 3-star running back, who flipped from Alabama
Reporting by Wes Huett, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
