KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Western Michigan senior linebacker Zaire Barnes has accepted an invitation to play in the 2023 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on Jan. 28.

The game is being played at Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders, and can be watched live on the NFL Network.

Barnes, a captain for the Broncos, led the team with 93 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one interception and nine total passes defended. He also had a team-high three fumble recoveries as the WMU sent out one of the best defenses in the MAC game after game.  

The Mundelein, Ill., native played in 49 career games with the Brown & Gold, increasing his defensive production every season. Barnes was a key part in the defense that helped WMU to a blowout win over Nevada in the 2022 Quicklane Bowl, the program's second-ever bowl victory.
 

INVITE ?? ACCEPTED @zaire_barnes will be joining us on Jan 28th after putting up 93 total tackles (60 solo), nine passes defended, five tackles for loss, and three fumble recoveries this past season??

Welcome, Zaire ?? 
 #NFLPABowl | #Path2Pasadena | #BroncosReign pic.twitter.com/8SU7i4JRgd
— The NFLPA Collegiate Bowl (@NFLPABowl) January 10, 2023