- A few programs starting to stand out in the process based on visits and relationships: Ohio State, Georgia, Miami and Texas A&M, Barner told 247Sports. That's certainly not a comprehensive list. Southern Cal is seen as a major sleeper in this recruitment. Indiana and Alabama are also expected to get visits in coming months that could inject them into that frontrunner conversation.
- Miami is the next to receive a visit. Barner will be in Coral Gables on Saturday for the
Florida State game.
While many draw comparisons to an Ohio State legend, it's a Miami legend that's top of mind for Barner when he thinks of the Hurricanes.
"When I think about Miami, man, my favorite player ever is Sean Taylor," Barner said. "The things he did back then, I like to compare my game to Sean Taylor. I know a lot of people like to compare me to
Caleb Downs, but I see a lot of Sean Taylor in me, man. How hard he played, how he studied the game, how he carried himself."
- For timeline purposes, Barner is expected to narrow down to a top 6 at the end of this football season. A commitment decision is most likely around official visit season next summer.