BREAKING NEWS: Jacory Barney Jr. Leaves Nebraska Cornhuskers, Joins Florida Gators for 2026
In a surprising and high-profile move, Jacory Barney Jr., a four-star wide receiver prospect from the 2024 recruiting class, has announced his decision to leave the Nebraska Cornhuskers football program and return home to Florida. But it’s not football he’s transferring for this time—Barney made headlines today by revealing that he will be joining the Florida Gators’ soccer program for the 2026 class, a stunning twist that has left both football and soccer fans across the country buzzing.
Barney, a Miami native and former standout at Miami Palmetto Senior High School, initially committed to Nebraska in July 2023 after receiving offers from several Power Five schools, including Miami, Florida State, and Penn State. He was viewed as a dynamic offensive weapon with elite speed, route-running capabilities, and playmaking instincts. At 6 feet tall and 170 pounds, Barney was expected to contribute early to Nebraska’s rebuild under head coach Matt Rhule.
However, in a heartfelt statement released on his social media platforms Friday morning, Barney Jr. explained that while he has immense respect and gratitude for Nebraska, his heart was pulling him in a different direction—both geographically and athletically.
> “Nebraska gave me an opportunity I’ll always be grateful for,” Barney wrote. “But deep down, I’ve always had a love for soccer—my first sport, my first passion. After a lot of prayer and conversations with my family, I’ve decided to come home and follow that dream. I’ll be joining the Florida Gators soccer program as part of the 2026 class. It’s time to come home.”
The announcement immediately set off a firestorm on social media, not just due to the rare move of an elite college football player switching sports, but because Barney’s soccer career was not widely publicized prior to this decision. According to sources close to the athlete, Barney was a high-level youth soccer player before focusing on football during his high school years. Some speculate that his return to the pitch had been quietly in the works for months, possibly influenced by conversations with coaches and advisors close to the Gators program.
Florida’s head soccer coach Samantha Bohon issued a brief but enthusiastic statement following Barney’s announcement:
> “We’re thrilled to welcome Jacory to the Gators family. His athleticism, discipline, and elite competitive mindset are rare. We can’t wait to see what he brings to our program in 2026.”
It is still unclear whether Barney intends to continue playing football at any level, or if this marks a full and final switch to soccer. NCAA rules allow athletes to transfer and change sports, though such moves between two major Division I programs are exceptionally rare, especially involving a switch from football to soccer. Barney will reportedly sit out the 2025 season to train and re-integrate into competitive soccer, with his official start in the 2026 season.
Sports analysts are already calling this one of the most unique transitions in recent college sports memory. ESPN recruiting analyst Tom Luginbill weighed in on the decision during a live segment Friday afternoon:
> “This is a kid who could’ve had a future in the NFL if things panned out. But that’s what makes this story so compelling—he’s walking away from what many see as a golden ticket to follow a different dream. We haven’t seen something quite like this in a long time.”
Fans in Nebraska, while disappointed, have largely responded with support and respect for Barney’s choice. “Of course we wanted to see him in Memorial Stadium making plays,” one fan posted on a Huskers message board. “But the guy has to follow his heart. That takes guts.”
Meanwhile, Florida Gators fans are celebrating the unexpected acquisition. With the Gators soccer team aiming to rebound and return to SEC prominence, the addition of a high-profile athlete like Barney—especially one returning home—adds both talent and attention to the program.
Jacory Barney Jr.’s decision marks not just a personal turning point, but a symbolic one. In an era where athletes are reclaiming autonomy over their careers and passions, his move highlights a broader shift in college athletics: one where mental health, personal fulfillment, and long-term happiness are just as important as pro ambitions.
Only time will tell how Jacory Barney Jr. will fare in the SEC on the soccer field, but for now, he’s made one thing clear—he’s coming home. And he’s doing it on his own terms.
