rising Illinois edge defender with real pass-rush juice
Barna is a disruptive, ascending defender for Illinois who produced 20 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 2.0 tackles for loss, two pass breakups, and a forced fumble in the 2025 season, including a game-changing strip sack in the Music City Bowl win over Tennessee.[5][12] At 6-foot-4 and 265 pounds, he brings a strong blend of size, burst, and finishing ability, and Illinois has also noted his move into a new edge role to help replace Gabe Jacas’s production.[3][14] If you want a physical, high-motor linebacker/edge hybrid with proven impact plays and room to grow, Barna is worth your attention.[5][11]
