You could call it a significant flip after four-star running back Javari Barnett changed his commitment from Illinois early Monday morning. But not everything that morning went smoothly for the Crimson Tide, as they lost out to Georgia in the race for four-star EDGE rusher Khamari Brooks’ commitment.
Within just a few hours, however, Barnett’s flip felt like magic. His surprise decision shifted the momentum so quickly that few even remembered Alabama had missed out on Brooks earlier that same day.
Javari Barnett Stuns Illinois, Flips Commitment to Kalen DeBoer and Alabama
It was Brooks who was in the spotlight before Barnett made his flip. The four-star EDGE rusher from North Oconee High School was deciding between Alabama and Georgia. Since his high school is in Georgia, he didn’t choose to move far and ultimately picked Kirby Smart’s program on Monday. So, the day started rough for Alabama fans for sure.
Later on the same morning, Barnett flipped from Illinois to Alabama. Both are top prospects in the 2026 class. If DeBoer had landed both of them, it would have been a huge win. But they only got the nation’s No. 30 running back according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.
The 6’0″, 215-pound running back from Tampa, Florida, is also ranked as the No. 478 overall, according to the 247Sports Composite. His decision gives Alabama its first commitment from Florida in the 2026 cycle and ninth overall in the class.
He first committed to Illinois in April and was a target for several top SEC schools, including Auburn and Florida. However, he has now confirmed his commitment to the Crimson Tide exclusively after taking an official visit to Tuscaloosa from June 20-22.
BREAKING: Four-Star RB Javari Barnett has Flipped his Commitment from Illinois to Alabama, he tells me for @on3recruits
The 6’0 215 RB from Tampa, FL had been Committed to the Fighting Illini since April
“Not just doing it but imma do it big.”https://t.co/mNSK4LBJph pic.twitter.com/4EVd5iEitK
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 23, 2025
This switch shows how much head coach Kalen DeBoer is already making waves in just his second year leading the Crimson Tide. It is early to say he is the perfect replacement for Nick Saban, but he has that special quality that attracts elite talent.
On3’s Hayes Fawcett first reported the news. Just days after his official visit to Tuscaloosa, he told Fawcett, “Not just doing it but imma do it big.”
Barnett now joins a growing list of recent Alabama commits. That includes JJ Finch, a three-star defensive lineman from Indianapolis who committed on June 22, and Jett Thomalla, a four-star quarterback ranked No. 15 in the 2026 class who flipped from Iowa State on June 17.
RELATED: How September 27 Georgia Game Could Make or Break Kalen DeBoer, Alabama’s 2025 Season
Alabama’s 2026 recruiting class now sits at nine commitments and is beginning to gain serious momentum under DeBoer’s leadership. The class features elite talent across multiple positions, including five-star cornerback Jorden Edmonds from Marietta, Georgia, and four-star defensive end Jamarion Matthews from Gainesville, Georgia.
Barnett becomes Alabama’s first running back commit in the 2026 cycle. The Crimson Tide coaching staff has been methodical in building this class, prioritizing fit and talent evaluation over simply chasing rankings. Barnett’s commitment comes at a crucial time as Alabama looks to establish itself as a consistent contender in the transfer portal era.
For the Illinois football program, losing Barnett is certainly a disappointment, and there’s no sugarcoating that reality. However, it can also be viewed positively. The fact that Alabama is targeting Illini recruits signals that Illinois is consistently identifying and recruiting top-tier talent.
Their program is keeping pace with elite programs in talent evaluation. While they may be losing battles to powerhouses like Alabama now, this foundation could pay dividends as the program continues to build under Bret Bielema.
