**Jovantae Barnes Declares for NFL Draft, Foregoing Final Seasons with Oklahoma**

In a move that marks the end of his college football career at the University of Oklahoma, sophomore running back **Jovantae Barnes** has declared for the **2024 NFL Draft**, opting to forgo his final two seasons of eligibility. The decision, which has sent shockwaves through the Sooners’ fanbase, underscores Barnes’ confidence in his abilities and his readiness to take the next step in his football journey. After a promising yet brief college career, the running back is set to embark on the next chapter, leaving behind a legacy at Oklahoma and a strong impact on the Sooners’ offense.

### A Star in the Making

Barnes arrived at Oklahoma as a highly-touted recruit in 2023, and from the start, he showcased the talent that had made him one of the most sought-after running back prospects in the nation. After a standout high school career in California, Barnes quickly adapted to the speed of college football and became a pivotal part of the Sooners’ offensive scheme.

In his freshman year, he proved to be a versatile and explosive player, racking up over **900 rushing yards** and **10 touchdowns**. Barnes not only displayed his power between the tackles but also exhibited surprising agility and vision for a back of his size. As the season progressed, it was clear that Oklahoma had found a future star in Barnes. His ability to change the pace of games, combined with his maturity and ball security, earned him praise from coaches, teammates, and analysts alike.

Barnes’ 2023 performance was a key factor in the Sooners’ offensive success. His play helped to take pressure off quarterback **Dillon Gabriel**, allowing Oklahoma to operate a more balanced offense and give opposing defenses something extra to worry about. His vision, patience, and explosive speed made him a constant threat in the open field, and his consistency helped the team remain competitive in the Big 12 race.

As a result, Barnes quickly became a fan favorite, with many projecting him as one of the top running backs in college football for 2024. But in a surprising move, just as he seemed poised for a breakout sophomore season, he announced his intention to declare for the NFL Draft.

### The Decision to Leave Early

Barnes’ decision to leave after just one season at Oklahoma is a significant one, especially given the challenges that come with entering the NFL Draft as an underclassman. For many players, staying an additional year or two at the collegiate level provides more time to hone their craft, improve their draft stock, and potentially increase their chances of being selected in the early rounds. However, for Barnes, the decision to leave was guided by several factors, including his readiness for the next level and the opportunities available to him.

In his statement announcing his decision, Barnes cited his belief that he had reached a point in his development where he felt confident that he could make an immediate impact in the NFL. “I’ve put in the work, and I feel like I’m ready for the challenge that the NFL presents,” Barnes said. “I’ve learned so much from my time at Oklahoma, and I’m grateful for the coaching staff, my teammates, and the fans who have supported me throughout my journey. But now, it’s time to take the next step.”

Barnes’ decision was not entirely unexpected. In the past few years, there has been a growing trend of players declaring for the draft earlier than ever, with many opting to leave after their sophomore seasons. The rising trend of early departures is largely driven by the opportunities offered by the NFL, where players can earn substantial contracts and start their professional careers at a young age.

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the college football landscape have changed the timelines for many players. For Barnes, the combination of his breakout year and the increased focus on his potential future at the professional level likely made this decision a difficult yet necessary one.

### The Impact of Barnes’ Departure on Oklahoma

Barnes’ departure leaves a significant void in the Sooners’ backfield. Heading into the 2024 season, Oklahoma was expected to rely heavily on Barnes to anchor the running game. With his blend of power, speed, and vision, he was set to be a central figure in offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby’s game plan, especially as the Sooners prepare for their transition to the SEC.

In his absence, the Sooners will have to look to a mix of incoming recruits and returning players to fill the running back position. Players like **Marcus Major**, who has seen significant time at Oklahoma, and incoming freshman **Trevor Hill**, a highly-ranked recruit, will be tasked with stepping up to replace Barnes’ production. Additionally, **Gavin Sawchuk**, a redshirt freshman, is expected to play a larger role after showing flashes of his potential in 2023.

While these players are talented, none have had the same level of immediate impact that Barnes had in his freshman season. The Sooners will need to quickly adjust to life without their star back, and they may lean on the passing game more heavily in the early parts of the season. Quarterback **Dillon Gabriel** will need to shoulder a heavier burden in leading the offense, while the offensive line will have to improve in creating running lanes for the new backfield options.

Barnes’ departure also raises questions about Oklahoma’s ability to maintain the same level of offensive balance they enjoyed in 2023. His ability to control the tempo of games with his running was a key to their success, and without him, the team may need to make adjustments to ensure that their offensive identity remains intact.

### NFL Draft Potential

Despite his relatively short time at Oklahoma, Barnes is considered one of the top running back prospects for the 2024 NFL Draft. His combination of size (6’0″, 220 pounds), speed, vision, and ability to break tackles makes him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking to bolster their backfield. Barnes has the physical attributes and skill set to make an immediate impact in the league, and his versatility as a pass-catcher out of the backfield only adds to his appeal.

Barnes’ decision to declare for the draft will likely place him in the mix for a selection in the **second or third round**, with some analysts projecting him as a potential sleeper pick who could make an instant impact for an NFL team in need of a dynamic running back. While he is still relatively raw in certain areas of his game, including pass protection and route running, his natural athleticism and vision are undeniable. Teams with a need for a powerful, versatile back could be willing to take a chance on Barnes, especially given the success of running backs who have declared early in recent years.

### What’s Next for Barnes

As Barnes shifts his focus to the NFL Draft, he will undoubtedly be preparing for the grueling evaluation process that includes the NFL Scouting Combine, individual team workouts, and interviews. His performance in these settings will likely determine his draft stock and ultimately influence when he hears his name called on draft day.

Barnes’ decision to leave Oklahoma early represents a significant milestone in his career, and while his time in Norman was short, it was certainly memorable. His breakout season will leave a lasting legacy, and Sooners fans will undoubtedly remember his contributions to the program, even if his time in college was cut short.

Ultimately, Jovantae Barnes’ departure is a bittersweet moment for Oklahoma, as the program loses a rising star but gains a proud alumnus who is ready to represent the Sooners on the professional stage. His future in the NFL looks bright, and his decision to declare for the draft is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey ahead.