South Carolina Football bolsters 2026 class with three-star CB Kosci Barnes

It's no secret that South Carolina has been hitting the recruiting trail hard during the offseason. And on Saturday night, the Gamecocks locked down a key piece of their roster puzzle when three-star cornerback Kosci Barnes announced his commitment to Shane Beamer's program during a ceremony at Grimsley High School in Greensboro, North Carolina. Barnes, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound prospect, chose the Gamecocks over a strong list of contenders that included Miami, Rutgers, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Mississippi State after his stock rose significantly over the spring. Barnes originally flying under the radar, but quickly earned the attention of powerhouse programs across the Southeast, including South Carolina. Barnes quickly became one of the Gamecocks' top remaining targets in the secondary, and his commitment adds upside to the Class of 2026.

According to the Rivals Industry Rankings, (which now reflects a new unified system following On3's acquisition of Rivals), Barnes is rated as the No. 56 cornerback, No. 584 overall prospect, and No. 26 player in the state of North Carolina for the 2026 recruiting cycle. Barnes currently holds a high three-star rating of 87.73. Per Wes Mitchell of GamecockCentral, Barnes' rapid rise and frame make him a candidate to climb those rankings further during the upcoming season.

Barnes' commitment strengthens a Gamecock recruiting class that is being built with long, athletic defenders. It is part of strategic push to boost the depth and explosiveness on the defensive line. With Barnes' size and trajectory, he may turn out to be a steal when signing day arrives.