Four-star RB Asa Barnes sets two SEC official visits

Barnes will visit Kentucky and Tennessee in June as his recruitment heats up.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Martin (Tenn.) Westview Rivals300 running back Asa Barnes has set official visits to Kentucky and Tennessee. The four-star Barnes will be in Lexington the weekend of June 5 and will visit Tennessee the weekend of June 19. These two SEC programs have become the prominent ones in Barnes's recruitment as he looks to make a decision.

Why it matters

Barnes is a highly sought-after four-star running back prospect who helped lead his high school team to a state championship as a junior. His official visits to Kentucky and Tennessee, two prominent SEC programs, will be crucial in determining where he decides to play college football.

The details

Barnes explained that Kentucky has made a strong push since hiring new head coach Will Stein, and he likes the coaching staff and their plans for the program. Tennessee has always been a front-runner for the in-state talent, and Barnes said he is impressed with the Volunteers' run schemes and coaching style. Virginia Tech and Ole Miss are also in the mix for Barnes, who rushed for 1,208 yards and 25 touchdowns with 567 yards receiving and six more scores as a junior.

  • Barnes will visit Kentucky the weekend of June 5.
  • Barnes will visit Tennessee the weekend of June 19.

The players

Asa Barnes

A four-star running back prospect from Martin (Tenn.) Westview High School who is ranked as the nation's No. 20 running back and No. 280 prospect overall by Rivals.

Will Stein

The new head coach at the University of Kentucky, who has made a strong push to recruit Barnes.

De'Rail Sims

An assistant coach at the University of Tennessee who has been in regular communication with Barnes about the Volunteers' program.

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What they’re saying

“They show a bunch of love and I like the way Coach Kolby (Smith) is teaching and I think Kentucky could make some noise within the coming months and years.”

— Asa Barnes, Four-star running back (on3.com)

“Tennessee is constantly building, constantly looking for improvement. In my convos with Coach (De'Rail) Sims he always tells me how the players and coaches are trying to develop to bring a Natty to Knoxville.”

— Asa Barnes, Four-star running back (on3.com)

What’s next

Barnes will make his official visit to Kentucky on June 5 and his official visit to Tennessee on June 19 as he continues to evaluate his top options before making a decision on where he will play college football.

The takeaway

Asa Barnes is a highly sought-after four-star running back prospect who is drawing significant interest from two prominent SEC programs, Kentucky and Tennessee. His upcoming official visits will be crucial in determining where he ultimately decides to play, as both schools have made him a priority recruit and are selling their respective visions for his future success.