The South Carolina Gamecocks have added another key piece to their Class of 2026, landing a commitment from three-star cornerback Kosci Barnes. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound standout from Grimsley High School in Greensboro, North Carolina, announced his decision to commit to South Carolina on Saturday night. Barnes chose the Gamecocks over a final group that included Miami, North Carolina, Kentucky, Rutgers, and Mississippi State.
Barnes is a high three-star prospect according to Rivals and has been one of the fastest-rising defensive backs in the Carolinas this year. He is ranked as the No. 49 cornerback in the nation and the No. 26 overall payer in North Carolina. Barnes holds an 88 rating on the Rivals scale.
Barnes took official visits to South Carolina, Miami, Kentucky, and Rutgers before making his final choice. He told GamecockCentral earlier this summer that finding a school that felt like home, and one with a coaching staff passionate about developing players, was the most important part of his decision. “I really want a place that feels like home, because I don’t plan on transferring,” Barnes said. “I want to make sure it’s a place where I’m sustainable... a coach that really has a passion for coaching and a history of producing my position to the next level.”
Barnes' commitment gives the Gamecock defender with the size and athleticism that the secondary needs, adding to the Class of 2026 that already ranks No. 17 nationally, per Rivals. Head coach Shane Beamer and defensive backs coach Torrian Gray have now added another major play-maker to the group as they continue to gain momentum on the recruiting trail. With Barnes in the fold, the future of the Gamecocks secondary looks even brighter.