The Oklahoma Sooners have been making headlines with their recent activity in the transfer portal, and a notable development occurred on Tuesday when former running back Jovantae Barnes announced his commitment to the Kentucky Wildcats for the upcoming season.
Barnes, who was part of the Sooners’ 2022 recruiting class, dedicated four seasons to the program. During the 2025 season, he started the first four games before sharing playing time with teammates Tory Blaylock and Xavier Robinson. After those initial games, Barnes did not participate for the rest of the season, allowing him to preserve his redshirt and maintain an additional year of eligibility.
Throughout his career at Oklahoma, Barnes accumulated 1,281 rushing yards on 294 carries, scoring 12 touchdowns. Additionally, he recorded 28 receptions for 188 yards and another touchdown. His most impressive campaign came in 2024 when he led the team in rushing despite missing the final three games due to injury. This performance was a highlight in an otherwise challenging season for the Sooners’ offense.
As he joins Kentucky, under the guidance of new head coach Will Stein, Barnes brings with him experience and a work ethic that has been praised throughout his career. He is recognized not just for his rushing ability but also for his effectiveness as a pass-blocker, making him a valuable addition to the Wildcats’ roster. Fans are particularly looking forward to seeing Barnes return to Owen Field on October 17, 2026, when Kentucky faces off against Oklahoma in conference play.
Barnes is the second player from OU’s 2025 squad to transfer within the conference, following wide receiver Jayden Gibson, who has committed to South Carolina. This trend highlights the shifts occurring in the college football landscape as players seek new opportunities while staying within the competitive environment of the SEC.