In 2025 Barnett posted a breakout spring season during which he posted 20 goals and 16 assists. Included in Barnett’s impressive sophomore campaign was his 4 goals and 1 assist effort in a win over Howell. So, it not come as surprise that last week, Barnett committed to MAAC powerhouse Sacred Heart. Barnett thrives when he gets downhill from up top and then snipes or distributes while on the run. His quick release and elite stick skills enable him to ping corners, score off-hip and fire bouncers into the net. Barnett’s field vision and ability to absorb contact allow him to carry the ball deep down the alley before he delivers a dime to a teammate on the crease or the back post. Additionally, Barnet is a lethal shooter from the wing where he can unleash powerful overhands or sidearm rips from multiple angles. Plus, this athletic and fast midfielder has demonstrated that he can hustle back and play at SSDM for stretches.    

Gaining a lot of interest from college coaches, Ryan Barnett has earned it with his showing this fall with NJ Riot. He’s a really crafty player overall, and a lot of that is because of his dodging skills. He’s very two-handed as a shooter and a dodger, making it very easy to split or roll dodge away from pressure and release quickly. Barnett does a great job using his body to shield his stick and work his way to the middle, where he can turn it into a shot or a feed from a bunch of different release points. He’s also a problem off the ball—always ready for a quick catch-and-shoot—and he competes on defense and in the ride.