Barnes attended San Augustine High School where he was named to three straight All-District teams. Ranked the #124 running back in the class of 2021 he committed to play college football at University of Texas at San Antonio.[1][2]
College career
After redshirting in 2021 due to an injury, Barnes would become a contributor for the Roadrunners in 2022. On October 14, 2022, Barnes rushed for 128 yards and 2 touchdowns in a 30-10 win over FIU.[3][4] In the 2022 Conference USA Championship Barnes would make his first career start, rushing for a career-high 175 yards in the Roadrunners 48-27 victory over North Texas.[5] At the conclusion of the 2022 season, Barnes was named the Conference USA Freshman of the Year.[6]