Alabama Flips Four-Star Tampa Native Running Back

The Crimson Tide continues to capitalize on big-time recruiting momentum, adding its ninth commitment of the 2026 recruiting class.

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According to Hayes Fawcett of On3 Sports, Alabama has flipped four-star running back Javari Barnett from Illinois.

Barnett had been committed to the Fighting Illini since April.

Barnett is the first running back commitment for the Tide in the 2026 recruiting class. He's ranked as a four-star prospect, according to On3 Sports, at Tampa Bay Tech School in Tampa, Florida. Barnett took just one official visit during the summer recruiting cycle, visiting the Crimson Tide last weekend.

Standing at 6 feet, 215 pounds, Barnett is a two-sport athlete. In 2023, at Carrollwood Day High School, he rushed for 168 yards on 19 carries and three touchdowns. He also had 14 tackles and a forced fumble. He also runs track, recording an 11.06 in the 100-meter dash and 22.61 in the 200.

Barnett's commitment gives the Tide the 11th-ranked recruiting class, according to On3 Sports. he is the fourth offensive commitment for the Tide in the 2026 class, joining four-star quarterback Jett Thomala, four-star offensive lineman Sam Utu, and four-star offensive lineman Chris Booker, who shut his recruitment down over the weekend.

Barnett is likely not the only running back in Alabama's 2026 class, with five-star tailback Ezavier Crowell (from Jackson, Alabama) set to announce his commitment on Thursday, June 26. Alabama sits in a good position for Crowell as well.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.