He played football as a tight end and linebacker at Aurora and was selected as the Northeast Ohio Division III Defensive Player of the Year.

[1][7] In December 2022, Barner entered the NCAA transfer portal and accepted an offer from the University of Michigan.

[8] He chose Michigan because of its prioritization of the tight end position under Jim Harbaugh.

[11] Barner was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round, 121st overall, of the 2024 NFL draft.

[15] In Week 4 against the Detroit Lions, he scored his first professional touchdown on a nine-yard reception from Geno Smith.