Joe Barna Looks To Become College Football’s Next Great Pass Rusher
University of Illinois defensive end Joe Barna has already enjoyed a milestone moment this offseason. A die-hard Chicago Cubs fan, Barna had a true bucket-list experience earlier this month when he threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Wrigley Field ahead of the Cubs hosting the Athletics on Illini Night.
“I grew up a Cubs fan. My whole family consists of Cubs fans, as long as I’ve known,” Barna said in an exclusive interview with Ratings.
“I’m honored to be able to do this for Illini Nation, but yeah, it’s a surreal thing.”
Barna, now a junior, was a key contributor for last year’s Illinois football team, which went 9-4 and ended another impressive campaign with a Music City Bowl win over No. 23 Tennessee.
Barna had a game-changing strip sack that set up a critical fumble recovery touchdown in the postseason victory. He highlighted the importance of holding an annual Illini Night with the Cubs.
“It’s awesome,” he said.
“I’ve got a bunch of friends back home who are pumped about Illini Night, even without knowing I’m throwing a pitch ahead of the game. This is a big thing for Illinois fans, to have this and to be affiliated with the Cubs, and I’m just super excited to be here to represent.”
A New Role for Barna
Barna is expected to have an increased role this season as his playing time grows and his position changes.
“I’m kind of playing a new type of position,” Barna said.
“I was more of an outside linebacker, and now I’m a hand-in-the-dirt kind of defensive lineman, so that’s going to be different. I’ve got to adjust to that, but I played that position in high school, so I’m very confident, and I’m going to thrive in it.
“And bigger than that, I will need to be a leader for these guys and be a mentor, like I had with some of the older guys.”
One of those older players was Gabe Jacas, who will go down in Illinois history as one of the best pass rushers the program has ever had.
Jacas led the Big Ten in sacks last season, and the New England Patriots selected him in the second round of the NFL draft in April.
Illinois needs to fill the pass-rushing void left by Jacas’ departure. That task could be even more challenging because 2026 will be a retooling year for the program. The Illini must replace several starters beyond Jacas.
Barna discussed what he can do to step up.
“I just think I need to keep doing the same things every day,” Barna said. ”The only way you can get better is by being consistent, trusting the process and being determined in what you believe. I feel like if I do that, I will get home and I will get to the quarterback.”
Jacas is one of the NFL players Barna looks up to, but he also mentioned a couple of others and explained what makes them special.
“I like Maxx Crosby a lot,” he said. “I like his elusiveness and how he uses his hands to fight. Myles Garrett, he’s a freak.”
Following Red Grange’s Path
Barna is from Wheaton, Illinois, which is also where the “Babe Ruth of football,” the legendary Red Grange, was from. Barna has two direct connections to Grange, with the University of Illinois being the other.
Grange is such a legendary figure that he had two nicknames, not one: the “Galloping Ghost” and the “Wheaton Iceman.”
His legacy was celebrated in October 2024 with the 100th anniversary of the 1924 Memorial Stadium dedication game, which was also the setting for Grange’s finest collegiate performance.
During Barna’s freshman year, Illinois defeated Michigan, the defending national champion at the time, while wearing period-inspired uniforms, complete with helmets designed to resemble the leather headgear of the 1920s.
“It’s awesome to think about. He grew up in the town I did,” Barna said of Grange, one of only two players whose numbers have been retired by the school. Dick Butkus is the other. He played there a long time ago, but it’s crazy. He was a great player.”
Illini Face Challenging 2026 Schedule
Barna also expressed excitement about the upcoming season, which begins Thursday, Sept. 3, when the Illini host UAB. After posting the highest two-year win total in program history with 19 victories, Illinois enters a potential transition season in 2026.
Highlights of the 12-game schedule include a trip to the iconic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, where Illinois will face UCLA on Nov. 13, as well as home games against traditional powers Nebraska on Nov. 6 and Oregon on Oct. 24. The Illini will also visit one of college football’s most prominent programs, Ohio State, on Sept. 26.
“Yeah, they’re big games, but I feel like everyone is good,” Barna said. ”We play Division I football. You’ve got to worry about Week 1 first, but these games are going to be awesome. Playing at Ohio State, it’s going to be an insane atmosphere. Playing in California, it’s going to be a great time.”