Javari Barnett
Freshman running back on Illinois's 2026 roster. No game stats recorded yet.
6′1″ · 210 lb · Tampa, FL · Tampa Bay Tech
Recruiting
RB recruit
No. 774 nationally · Signed with Illinois
No college snaps yet.
His full recruiting profileThe story
1 running back on Illinois's roster. No game stats recorded yet.
- Signed as a 3-star recruit to Illinois in 2026.
Javari Barnett
Limited signal — not enough coverage for a story yet.
His career
2026
- Signed with Illinois3-star out of Tampa Bay Tech
Career arc
Splits & context
Supporting cast · Scheme
Staff and system around the player
Head Coach
Bret Bielema
Scheme reads (pass share, tempo, sack rate) need at least 3 team games — 2 games in so far.
Awards
A three-star recruit at running back for Illinois -- now projected as a quality contributor in the backfield.
He hasn't recorded a college stat yet. Here's what we know about him.
Illinois has produced 2 All-Conference running backs. 2 have gone on to the NFL Draft since 1989. Chase Brown went on to the NFL out of this room (2023).
How he plays
2026 Outlook
Illinois
2026 Depth chart
Projected starter
Running back · Illinois
Returning around him
- 21% of 2024 offensive production back (Heavy turnover)
- 3 Illinois players drafted to NFL
- Transfer portal: -7 net (20 in / 27 out)
2026 Award watch
No preseason watch lists yet (most drop June 15 – July 15)
Illinois · Last season: 9-4 (AP #23) · Talent rank #51 · 2026 recruiting class #24
Background
High School Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, and Rivals Position ranks: #37 (ESPN), #38 (Rivals), #41 (ESPN) State ranks: #73 (247), #73 (Rivals), #91 (ESPN) Played for head coach Jayson Roberts at Tampa Bay Tech Played two years at Tampa Bay Tech after transferring from Carrollwood Day Ope...
The backfield · Illinois
- #5Ca'Lil Valentine614 rushing yards · 2025
- #21Aidan Laughery382 rushing yards · 2025
- #23Jordan Anderson41 rushing yards · 2025
- #27Corey Rashadno box-score line yet
- #24Javari Barnettno box-score line yet
4 more on the roster · Illinois team page