Bama Central

Alabama Adds Another Flip to 2026 Class

3-Star running back Javari Barnett, who had been committed to Illinois since April, became the ninth member of Alabama's 2026 class on Monday.
Mason Woods|
Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer on the sideline during the third quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Will McLelland-Imagn Images
Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer on the sideline during the third quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Will McLelland-Imagn Images | William McLelland-Imagn Images

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Alabama Crimson Tide

Kalen Deboer and the Crimson Tide staff have seemingly hit their stride on the recruiting trail for the 2026 cycle as Alabama added yet another flip from a power four program this week. The Tide now holds commits in the class, three of which were flipped from other teams.

3-Star running back Javari Barnett from Tampa, Florida, officially changed his commitment from Illinois to Alabama on Monday, according to On3 Sports. He had been committed to the Illini since April of this year.

Standing at 5-foot-11, 205 lbs., Barnett is a compact back with excellent contact balance. His build gives him the ability to gain tough yardage inside, but he is athletic enough to be a threat in the open field as well.

The Florida native is ranked as the No. 30 running back in the class and the No. 69 overall prospect in the state, according to 247Sports' composite ranking. Through three seasons of varsity football, Barnett has only appeared in 19 games, but has nearly 900 rushing yards, which is good for over 6.5 yards per carry.

He was recently in Tuscaloosa for an official visit on June 20, joining the Tide's largest recruiting weekend of the summer which consisted of 15 prospects. While the Tide has been a bit slow to get started with next year's class, DeBoer and the staff look to have successfully navigated the summer thus far.

Official Visitors June 20-22

Check out our Alabama football official visitor tracker for the full list of official visitors.

2026 Football Commits

  1. CB Zyan Gibson, 5-foot-11, 177 lbs. - Gadsden, Alabama (Committed 12/24/2024)
  2. CB Jorden Edmonds, 6-foot-2, 175 lbs. - Marietta, Georgia (Committed 03/26/2025)
  3. EDGE Jamarion Matthews, 6-foot-2, 240 lbs. - Gainesville, Georgia (Committed 02/21/2025)
  4. EDGE Kamhariyan Johnson, 6-foot-4, 260 lbs. - Muscle Shoals, Alabama (Committed 04/12/2025)
  5. OL Chris Booker, 6-foot-4, 285 lbs. - Atlanta, Georgia (Committed 02/20/2025)
  6. OL Sam Utu, 6-foot-4, 320 lbs. - Orange, California (Committed 06/09/2025)
  7. QB Jett Thomalla, 6-foot-3, 205 lbs. - Omaha, Nebraska (Committed 06/17/2025)
  8. DL JJ Finch, 6-foot-3. 260 lbs. - Indianapolis, Indiana (Committed 06/22/2025)
  9. RB Javari Barnett, 5-foot-11, 205 lbs. - Tampa Bay, Florida (Committed 06/23/2025)

Check out the Alabama football recruiting tracker to stay up to date with the 2026 class and beyond.

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Mason Woods
MASON WOODS

Mason Woods is the lead recruiting writer for Alabama Crimson Tide On SI/BamaCentral, Vanderbilt Commodores on SI, Boston College Eagles on SI and Missouri Tigers on SI. The Alabama graduate has worked in sports media since 2020, beginning his career in radio production with Tide 100.9 FM in Tuscaloosa. Woods has produced a multitude of live programs and has even hosted his own shows as well. He’s regularly part of “The Joe Gaither Show” on weekdays and serves as host of the “All Things Bama Podcast.”

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