Kentucky Football’s transfer portal momentum shows no signs of slowing down, and the Wildcats added another notable name to their growing list with the addition of Oklahoma Sooners running back Jovantae
Barnes.
On Tuesday, Barnes committed to the Wildcats, according to Hayes Fawcett of On3
. The former Sooner will have one year of eligibility remaining as he looks to become RB1 under new head coach Will Stein.Barnes visited Kentucky this past Sunday, Jan. 4, his first official trip since entering the portal. Safe to say that the visit went well for Barnes to commit this soon after seeing what Lexington and UK had to offer.
A 5-foot-11.5, 185-pound back, Barnes brings proven production and versatility to a position of need for the Wildcats. During his time with the Sooners, Barnes totaled 1,469 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, flashing explosiveness early in his career. In his freshman season in 2022, he ran 116 times for 519 yards and five scores before seeing his role fluctuate in 2023.
His most complete season came in 2024, when Barnes posted career highs with 577 rushing yards on 122 carries and added 17 receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown, highlighting his value as a pass-catching option out of the backfield.
Barnes only appeared in four games this past season due to injury, earning him an additional year of eligibility. His last appearance came Sept. 20 against Auburn.
Kentucky faced stiff competition for Barnes, as Arkansas and LSU both made a strong push for his services. Still, the Wildcats’ recent portal activity, including visits from Texas transfer CJ Baxter and several linemen on both sides of the ball, underscores the staff’s urgency to rebuild depth and experience.
As January visits continue to stack up at the Joe Craft Football Training Facility, Barnes represents another key piece Kentucky hopes can help reshape its roster heading into the 2026 season.
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