Former Blue Chip Cornerback Eyes Kentucky from the Transfer Portal

The names are flying fast and furiously on the first day of the winter transfer portal window. As the dust is settling on the madness, we’re slowly getting an idea of who Kentucky may have their eye on this offseason.

Marcellus Barnes was a four-star, Blue Chip talent in the 2024 recruiting class. The No. 305 player in the On3 Industry Ranking made headlines when he announced his commitment to Syracuse at the All-American Bowl. Barnes originally committed to Georgia and followed Fran Brown to upstate New York.

Barnes did not sit as a true freshman. He played right away and was quickly elevated to a starting role by the second game of the season. Unfortunately, injuries limited him to appearing in only five games, tallying 10 tackles and three pass deflections.

There was no waiting around to hit the road. Despite the impressive 9-3 campaign by the Cuse in Brown’s first season, Marcellus Barnes announced his intent to hit the transfer portal at 12:01 am on Monday morning.

Not long after he entered the transfer portal, Barnes told On3’s Chad Simmons that he wants to get into the SEC. Ole Miss, who was the runner-up in his high school recruitment, appears to have an early lead. He could visit Oxford this week. “I am also looking at Florida, LSU, Kentucky and some others.”

The potential connection to Kentucky likely comes through his hometown of Chattanooga. That’s where Kentucky signee Martels Carter spent a significant amount of time playing football and where his father organized 7-on-7 activities. I’d be willing to wager a significant amount of money that they’ve crossed paths in some capacity, which certainly doesn’t hurt Kentucky’s chances of landing this talented transfer portal player.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. Keep closer tabs on the Cats with our staff-only sticky thread on KSBoard, which will have updates on departures and targets throughout the offseason.

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