Vanderbilt Wide Receiver Kayleb Barnett Dismissed After Felony Arrest
Vanderbilt wide receiver Kayleb Barnett was arrested Saturday night in Nashville on charges of aggravated assault by strangulation, identity theft, and false identification. The first two charges are felonies, while the false identification charge is a misdemeanor. The university has confirmed Barnett is no longer part of the football program.
What happened during the arrest?
According to the arrest report, responding officers found the 20-year-old Barnett holding someone in a chokehold. The officer on scene said the victim fell to the ground motionless and appeared unconscious, with a substantial amount of blood around him. Law enforcement detained Barnett without incident, and the alleged victim regained consciousness shortly afterward.
A witness told police Barnett threw the first punch. Barnett disputes that account, claiming the alleged victim swung first and that he dodged the punch before holding the man down to prevent further physical confrontation.
What are the charges and bond details?
Barnett faces three charges:
- Aggravated assault by strangulation (felony), bond set at $3,500
- Identity theft (felony), bond set at $1,000
- False identification (misdemeanor), bond set at $500
His total bond was $5,000. He is scheduled for a settlement hearing on Nov. 13 at 10:30 a.m. at the Howard Gentry Criminal Court in Nashville.
What did Vanderbilt say about Barnett's dismissal?
Vanderbilt released a brief statement confirming Barnett's departure from the program.
We are aware of the situation. Kayleb Barnett violated team and university standards and is no longer with the program.
What was Barnett's role on the team?
Barnett was a sophomore receiver who had seven receptions for 36 yards through the first six games of the 2026 season. He was listed as a second-string receiver ahead of Vanderbilt's 52-17 loss to Ole Miss and had played 51 snaps this season.
In his freshman year, Barnett recorded six receptions for 53 yards, 29 rushing yards on six attempts, and one touchdown. He also returned a kick for 21 yards against Iowa in Vanderbilt's ReliaQuest Bowl loss.
Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea praised Barnett last season, saying, He's got great hands. He finds his way open, he catches the ball really well. Kayleb is a resilient person. He believes in himself.
How did Barnett end up at Vanderbilt?
Barnett was a non-ranked prospect out of high school and Vanderbilt was the only FBS program to offer him a scholarship. He earned a three-star rating after running a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at a Vanderbilt camp. At 5-foot-8, he was the shortest scholarship player on the roster last year and used that as motivation.
Barnett told Vandy on SI last season that he plays with a chip on his shoulder, driven by a desire to prove his size does not define his ability.
What happens next?
Barnett's future with Vanderbilt football is unclear, though the university has already cut ties. The legal process will determine the outcome of the criminal charges.
This is a developing story. Follow Just The News Iowa for updates.