Elijah Barnes
#0

Elijah Barnes

LB Kentucky Kentucky Sophomore

Bio

Height 6'1"
Weight 242 lbs
Hometown Dallas, TX
High School Skyline
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✅ Committed
From
Texas Texas
→
To
Kentucky Kentucky
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 0.9000

Recruiting

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Class of 2025
#68 National
0.9661 Rating

Scouting Report

A+
97 / 100 Ceiling 97 • Floor 89
year 1 contributor NFL Rd 3

Elijah Barnes is a 4-star Linebacker from Dallas, TX (Skyline) in the 2025 class. Ranked No. 68 nationally. Composite rating: 0.9661. Committed to University of Texas.

Physical Profile

Listed at 6-1, 242 lbs. Taller than 21% and heavier than 95% of 2025 Linebacker prospects in the SEC Scouts database (136 with a listed size).

Play Style

Without film analysis available, his high composite rating and Texas commitment suggest he likely displays the versatility and football IQ that modern defensive coordinators value in linebackers. The Longhorns' preference for athletic, scheme-diverse defenders indicates Barnes probably shows ability to impact multiple phases.

Strengths

  • Elite composite rating of 0.9661 indicates exceptional overall evaluation across multiple metrics
  • Texas commitment suggests he fits the defensive philosophy of one of the nation's premier programs
  • Dallas area development indicates exposure to high-level competition and quality coaching infrastructure

Areas to Improve

  • Limited offer sheet raises questions about either late development or evaluation concerns that need clarification
  • Lack of detailed positional rankings makes it difficult to assess his standing among linebacker peers

College Projection

Given his 4-star status and Texas commitment, Barnes projects as a contributor within 2-3 years who could develop into a multi-year starter. His high composite rating suggests he has the athletic ceiling to compete for early playing time in Texas' defensive rotation.

NFL Outlook

His 4-star rating and elite composite score indicate potential professional upside, though the limited offer sheet creates some uncertainty. If he develops as projected at Texas, he could emerge as a mid-to-late round draft prospect with proper development.

Best Fit

Power 5 programs that emphasize linebacker versatility and athletic development, particularly those with strong player development track records who can maximize his apparent physical gifts while addressing any technical refinements needed.

Player Comparison

Roquan Smith Georgia • Baltimore Ravens 87% match

Both share nearly identical physical profiles at 6'1" 230 lbs with elite recruiting pedigree (Smith was also a top-100 recruit). Smith exemplified the modern versatile linebacker who could excel in coverage, rush the passer, and defend the run - exactly the type of scheme-diverse defender that Texas targets and Barnes appears to project as based on his elite composite rating.

Season Stats - 2025

Defensive

4 SOLO

General

2 GP

Transfer Portal History

Texas Texas
→
Kentucky Kentucky
Committed Entered Jan 10, 2026 Committed Jan 11, 2026

Career History

2026
Texas #30 LB - Freshman
2026
Kentucky #0 LB - Sophomore
2025
Texas #30 LB - Freshman