Illinois defensive tackle Bryce Barnes is the latest athlete to profit off NIL deals as he announced on his deal with Gibson Area Hospital from his Instagram.

In his post, Barnes said, “From the GCMS Falcons to Fighting Illini Football. Gibson Area Hospital Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in collaboration with Dr. Tim Leonard of Gibson Elite Sport & Fitness has prepared me to be ready to take the field at Memorial Stadium!
Go Illini and Gibson Gets It.”

Barnes is going into his redshirt junior season with Illinois as he is projected by OurLads to be a key backup defensive end. This past season, Barnes played in 11 games for Illinois as he accounted for 3 solo tackles. He was also an Academic All-B1G selection this past season.