4-star CB sets commitment date with Miami in final six schools

Four‑star cornerback Kosci Barnes, a 6‑foot‑3, 190‑pound defensive back from Grimsley High School in Greensboro, North Carolina, has set his commitment day for July 26, with the Miami Hurricanes among his final six finalists.

Barnes, rated No. 63 at his position by 247Sports, has drawn interest from plenty of programs. Outside of Miami, his final six includes Kentucky, Mississippi State, South Carolina, North Carolina and Rutgers. South Carolina currently holds momentum in the Crystal Ball prediction but the official commitment next week could change the outcome.

Last season, Barnes amassed 55 tackles, six tackles for loss and three interceptions at Grimsley. Barnes visited Kentucky, Rutgers, South Carolina, Mississippi State and Miami on official visits this spring and early summer. The offers from North Carolina and Miami came most recently with both delivered in June.

Miami, which had a massive turnover in its secondary following the 2024 season, needs depth and size across its defensive back room. At 6‑foot‑3, Barnes fits the prototype for an outside corner capable of matching up with bigger receivers but could also play safety at the next level. The secondary has been a priority in Mario Cristobal’s recruiting.

The Hurricanes already hold four cornerback commits in the 2026 class, with Jontavius Wyman, Brody Jennings, Jaelen Waters and Camdin Portis already committed. 2027 CB commit Kenton Dopson III is most likely reclassifying into 2026 to join them as well. Some fans might be skeptical about the interest from Miami despite the late push because of the recent recruiting success at the corner position. But, at 190 pounds entering his senior season, Barnes could potentially get up to the 205-220 pound range to play safety.

The added wrinkle of Barnes moving to safety in college could be crucial for Miami as they ended up losing out on multiple safety recruits so far this summer. It will be something to watch in the coming week as five cornerbacks without a safety committed in a single class might turn heads.