A former four star recruit, in his time with the Spartans Barnett played all around the field including as a wide receiver in his freshman season where he racked up 13 catches for 182 yards. 

Barnett made the move to defense this season as a cornerback for Michigan State Head Coach Mel Tucker’s new 4-2-5 defense. Barnett started once versus Iowa at the nickel cornerback spot and played in one other game in the home opener versus Rutgers. In those two games, Barnett finished with three tackles total.

Barnett joins linebackers Marcel Lewis, Luke Fulton and Charles Willekes and running back Anthony Williams Jr. to enter the transfer portal since Tucker took over in East Lansing.

With entering the transfer portal, Barnett can choose to return if he decides there is no better option for him than Michigan State like his teammate Connor Heyward did this past offseason. 

Willekes and Fulton were suspended for an altercation at a fraternity before choosing to enter the transfer portal.

Since he has the ability to play both sides of the ball and a high level of talent, Barnett will likely have many suitors in the transfer portal, and they will likely be other power five schools.

Barnett was poised to be one of the future stars of the Spartans, but this move will likely see him try and tap into his potential at a new school.