Gamecocks Strike Again: 2026 DB Kosci Barnes Commits to South Carolina
South Carolina football continues its summer recruiting surge, adding another promising piece to its 2026 class. On Saturday, head coach Shane Beamer and his staff secured a commitment from Kosci Barnes, a rising defensive back from Grimsley High School in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, Barnes brings size, athleticism, and proven production. He helped lead Grimsley to an undefeated North Carolina 4A state championship in 2024, where he racked up 59 tackles, five pass breakups, and three interceptions.
Despite being a late riser in the recruiting scene, Barnes attracted over a dozen scholarship offers, including strong pushes from Kentucky and Miami. Ultimately, the Gamecocks won the battle for the versatile defender.
According to the 247Sports Composite, Barnes is rated as a three-star recruit, the No. 49 cornerback nationally, and the No. 27 player in North Carolina for the class of 2026.
His commitment is another major boost to South Carolina’s recruiting class, which already includes blue-chip names like four-star quarterback Landon Duckworth. With Barnes now in the fold, the Gamecocks sit at 14 hard commitments, and their class has climbed to No. 22 nationally, per the 247Sports composite rankings.
Beamer and his staff have clearly found their rhythm in July, and with momentum building ahead of the season, South Carolina’s 2026 class continues to grow stronger.
