According to recent reports from ON3’s Pete Nakos, Princeton WR AJ Barber is set to hit the transfer portal ahead of his final season of college football, after spending most of his NCAA career with the Ivy League Tigers.
Barber has played in all 30 games over the past three seasons at Princeton, including being a full-time starter last in 2024. He has earned three honorable Mention All-Ivy League honors across his career. Now, he’ll look to elevate his NFL Draft stock further. But is he related to NFL great Tiki Barber?
Is Former Princeton WR AJ Barber Related To NFL Legend Tiki Barber?
Set to enter his final season as a college athlete, football runs in AJ Barber’s blood. As the son of Tiki Barber, who spent a decade with the New York Giants in the NFL, Barber knows what it takes to play on Sundays.
Similar to his son, Tiki Barber spent most of his NCAA career with one program, spending four years at Virginia. As a second-round NFL Draft pick, Barber posted 15,632 all-purpose yards and 67 touchdowns, 10,449 of which came from rushing.
Tiki Barber one of the best running backs of the 2000s 🔥 pic.twitter.com/03DGNwH2YJ
— Football’s Greatest Moments (@FBGreatMoments) May 14, 2025
When questioned on his father’s impact on his career, AJ shared that the NFL legend was one of his biggest supporters throughout his football career, both in his knowledge of the sport and his emotional support.
“He hangs back a lot more than people would think. Obviously, he gives suggestions, mostly technical: high and tight, take your knees up when you run.”
“But most of what comes from him is the emotional and moral support that a dad should give. He was always there for me and [my brother] Chason, and we were very grateful that he didn’t have an outlandish presence in his athletic life.” Barber explained.
As On3’s Pete Nakos writes about Barber, “While at Princeton, [he] has not finished lower than third on the team in receiving and has caught 109 passes in those outings for 1,264 yards.”
NEW: Princeton WR AJ Barber has entered the NCAA transfer portal, @PeteNakos_ reports.
AJ is the son of three-time Pro Bowler Tiki Barber.https://t.co/MxtIDdI4GD pic.twitter.com/QyEcmCRLVd
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal_) May 30, 2025
Last season, Barber had a statement game, despite spending most of his time as Princeton’s third receiver. The then-junior hauled in seven passes for a career-best 156 yards during a game against Lafayette. Barber’s coach also gave him credit for his performance, admitting it was great to see him finally get the ball in space.
“It was really fun to see him get the ball in space. You already see him on returns, and he does such a good job,” Princeton HC Bub Surace explained. However, the son of the NFL legend was quick to dismiss the praise.
“I wouldn’t really say that any one of us would be the X receiver in this offense. Everyone has an equal role; everyone plays the same amount. I just happened to get lucky.”
Going into his final season of College Football, coming off a career-high receiving game and a successful season with the Princeton Tigers, Barber hits the transfer portal. It could finally be the opportunity for the son of an NFL legend to make a name for himself as a top receiver.
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