Ryan Murken

Your Prep Sports

The West High to University of Iowa pipeline just continues to build.

West High junior offensive lineman James Barnett announced his verbal commitment to the Hawkeyes on Friday and will be the fourth Trojan to join the Iowa program since 2025.

“Staying home,” Barnett wrote on a post on social media.

West High had a pair of players sign with Iowa following last season in Julian Manson and Colin Whitters.

Mason Woods was a member of the Hawkeyes 2025 recruiting class.

The 6-foot-2, 270-pound Barnett is already a two-year starter and considered among the top overall players and best offensive lineman in the state.

As a sophomore last fall Barnett emerged as a leader on a West High offensive line that helped lead the Trojans to an 8-3 record and a spot in the Class 5A quarterfinals.

Barnett paved the way for West High to average 405 total yards, 192 rushing yards and 39.4 points per game.

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