West Virginia’s football program has secured a critical addition through the transfer portal in tight end Grayson Barnes, who arrives from Northern Illinois with one year of eligibility remaining. The 6-foot-5, 225-pound pass-catcher fills a glaring need for the Mountaineers following a significant exodus at the tight end position this offseason. With his proven receiving skills and experience, Barnes is being widely praised as exactly what Neal Brown’s squad needed to address their depleted tight end room.
A Timely Addition After Tight End Departures
The Mountaineers’ tight end situation had become dire following multiple departures. The graduation of Kole Taylor combined with transfers from Jack Sammarco, Jackson Accuardi, and Johnny Pascuzzi left West Virginia with just three scholarship tight ends, most known primarily for their blocking rather than receiving abilities. The program went from having seven or eight tight ends on the roster to a concerning shortage at a key offensive position.
“They went from having seven or eight tight ends on the roster, and now they’re down, I think, to three,” said Justin Walker on “Couz’s Corner.” “And most of those are expected to be blocking tight ends. Well, they bring in Grayson Barnes who can absolutely flat out catch the football.
“He gives you more depth in that room, gives you another body in that room and gives you somebody to compete to be that number one tight end. The number one receiving tight end that this staff needs.”
Production and Skills That Fill a Critical Need
Barnes brings an impressive collegiate resume to Morgantown. Over two seasons at Northern Illinois, he recorded 54 catches for 760 yards and nine touchdowns. His 2023 campaign saw him finish second on the team with 31 receptions while leading the Huskies with four receiving touchdowns. He averaged 10.9 yards per catch while accumulating 338 receiving yards. The previous season was even more impressive from an efficiency standpoint, as Barnes tallied 23 catches for 422 yards and five touchdowns, averaging a remarkable 18.3 yards per reception.
Before his time at Northern Illinois, Barnes starred at American River College where he earned All-American honors in 2022 after recording 38 catches for 526 yards and four touchdowns. His JUCO experience, combined with the NCAA rule that doesn’t count one year of JUCO eligibility, allows him to play one more season at the FBS level.
Pro Football Focus metrics highlight Barnes’ receiving prowess. In 2024, he earned a 63.1 receiving grade compared to a 42.1 run-blocking grade. His 2023 numbers were even stronger with a 70.6 receiving grade and 51.8 run-blocking mark.
“His strength was in the passing game as he held a grade of 63.1, but did have a weakness as a run blocker with a grade of 42.1.”
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Barnes will likely compete immediately for the starting role as West Virginia’s primary receiving tight end. While the Mountaineers also added Jacob Barrick from Jacksonville State to bolster their blocking options, Barnes provides the vertical threat and red zone target the offense has been lacking. His addition not only addresses a numerical shortage in the tight end room but also gives West Virginia’s offense a new dimension with his proven ability to stretch the field and create mismatches in the passing game.
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