Texas linebacker transfer Elijah Barnes commits to Kentucky
Kentucky's linebacker position saw a significant boost with the addition of transfer Elijah Barnes, who committed to the program on Saturday night after a visit. Barnes, a highly-rated recruit, was the No. 60 overall prospect in the 2025 Rivals Industry Ranking and the No. 3 overall linebacker. He chose to stay close to home and signed with Texas, but his time in Austin was brief, as he redshirted his first season and played 19 snaps in the Citrus Bowl victory over Michigan. In that game, Barnes showcased his talent, recording three tackles and one sack.
The Wildcats now boast seven scholarship linebackers on their roster, and Barnes is a strong contender for a starting spot. His commitment follows a successful first weekend, when Arkansas transfer Tavion Wallace committed to Kentucky, addressing another key need for the team.
Barnes expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity and the defensive scheme Coach Jay Bateman has in place for him. He believes he can contribute as a day one starter and feels right at home in Kentucky. The transfer commits list showcases a diverse range of players, with Barnes being the latest addition to the Wildcats' roster.
Transfer Commits:
Player, Position, High School, Former School, Year
Olaus Alinen, G/T, Windson (Conn.), The Loomis Chaffee School, Redshirt Junior
Jesse Anderson, S, Fort Lauderdale (Fla.), Cardinal Gibbons, Pittsburgh, Redshirt Junior
Max Anderson, iOL, Frisco (Texas) High, Tennessee, Redshirt Sophomore
Elijah Barnes, LB, Dallas (Texas) Skyline, Texas, Redshirt Freshman
Jovantae Barnes, RB, Las Vegas (Nev.) Desert Pines, Oklahoma, Redshirt Senior
Ahmad Breaux, iDL, Ruston (La.) High, LSU, Junior
Jordan Castell, S, Winter Garden (Fla.) West Orange, Florida, Senior
Xavier Daisy, WR, Norcross (Ga.) Greater Atlanta Christian School, UAB, Junior
Aaron Gates, Nickel, Jacksonville (Fla.) Trinity Christian, Florida, Redshirt Junior
Jamarrion Harkless, iDL, Lexington (Ky.) Frederick Douglass, Purdue, Redshirt Junior
Kenny Minchey, QB, Hendersonville (Tenn.) Pope John Paul II, Notre Dame, Redshirt Junior
Antonio O'Berry, EDGE, Huber Heights (Ohio) Wayne, Tiffin (D-II) | Gardner-Webb, 6th-Year Senior
Coleton Price, iOL, Bowie (Texas) High, Baylor, Redshirt Senior
Cyrus Reyes, S, Taylor (Texas) High, Mississippi State, Junior
Hasaan Sykes, CB, Tuckert (Ga.) High, Western Carolina, Junior
Tavion Wallace, LB, Baxley (Ga.) Appling County, Arkansas, Sophomore
Adam Zouagui, K, Herndon (Va.) High, Davidson | South Florida, Senior
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2026-01-10
