Wake Forest wide receiver Chris Barnes is on the move again. The redshirt freshman announced Sunday that he’s entering the NCAA Transfer Portal, marking the second time in his young college career that he’s looking for a new home. Originally a Washington State transfer, Barnes brought a dynamic edge to the Demon Deacons’ offense and special teams this season - and when he was on, he was on.
At just 5-foot-7, Barnes may not have the prototypical receiver frame, but he played much bigger than his size. His breakout moment came in a road win over Oregon State, where he turned just three receptions into three touchdowns - a stat line that jumps off the page no matter how you slice it.
That game wasn’t a fluke, either. Over the course of the season, Barnes racked up 39 catches for 547 yards, showcasing his ability to stretch the field and create separation with quickness and savvy route-running.
And it wasn’t just his work as a receiver that made him a weapon. Barnes also made his presence felt on special teams, adding 263 kick return yards, including a house call to open the game against NC State at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. That kind of versatility - a player who can flip field position or hit a home run any time he touches the ball - is going to make him an intriguing option for programs across the country.
As for Wake Forest, head coach Jake Dickert and his staff have their hands full this offseason. They’ve just wrapped up signing the largest recruiting class in program history, bringing in 30 new players, and now they’ll have to navigate a rapidly evolving transfer portal landscape while preparing for the Duke’s Mayo Bowl matchup against Mississippi State on January 2 in Charlotte.
Barnes’ departure is a loss, no doubt - but it’s also part of the new normal in college football, where roster turnover is constant and adaptability is everything. For Barnes, the next chapter begins now. For Wake Forest, the work continues.