Barnes won’t be coming to Lexington.
Well, so much for that.
Marcellus Barnes opted to make his decision on Friday, and it was to the SMU Mustangs.
Kentucky is now on to the next target.
BREAKING: Syracuse True Freshman transfer CB Marcellus Barnes Jr. has Committed to SMU, he tells @on3sports
The 6’1 180 CB totaled 11 Tackles, 3 PBUs, & 1 INT this season
Was a Top 3 Available CB in the Portal (per On3 Industry)https://t.co/RlUbB6EMhS pic.twitter.com/SN9JQRBXbI
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 10, 2025
The Kentucky Wildcats have been active in the transfer portal as they look to rebound from a disappointing 4-8 season.
So far, the staff have done well in seemingly completely flipping the offense while also retooling the defense. One spot they seem to still be targeting is defensive back, and they have made the final two for a talented cornerback with several years of eligibility remaining.
According to Chris Hummer of 247 Sports, Syracuse Orange transfer Marcellus Barnes is down to the final two of Kentucky and SMU. He will be announcing his decision on Sunday.
Syracuse CB transfer Marcellus Barnes Jr. (@marcellus_jr) tells @247SportsPortal he’s considering Kentucky & SMU with plans to announce this Sunday.
Barnes, the No. 9 available transfer, posted 11 tackles & 3 passes defended as a true freshman in 2024.https://t.co/66RhoSQshb pic.twitter.com/Gbv5CSPxtI
— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) January 7, 2025
Barnes, a former 4-star recruit in the class of 2024, is originally from Chattanooga and signed with the Orange over offers from Virginia Tech, Georgia, Baylor, Florida State, Ole Miss, and others.
As a true freshman, Barnes held his own in the ACC as he totaled 10 tackles while also adding three pass deflections for the Orange.
The Cats have several cornerbacks on the roster, but with the eligibility Barnes has remaining, he becomes an intriguing option to add out of the portal. It appears the Cats have that chance.
Now we wait, as this should be a recruitment the BBN follows closely over the next few days.