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2026 safety Kolby Barrett details Mississippi State decision

Paul Jones Mississippi State Bulldogsby:Paul Jones•05/24/25•

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kolby barrett
Photo courtesy of Kolby Barrett

Baylor (Tenn.) School’s Kolby Barrett evaluated his college options over the past few months and in doing so, he took a look into his best future. On Saturday, that top option turned out to be Mississippi State as the 2026 safety and On3 three-star prospect committed to the Bulldogs.

Barrett also held other Power 4 offers from Louisville, Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, Vanderbilt and Purdue. He is rated as the nation’s No. 107 safety and the state’s No. 36 prospect by On3 composite rankings. With his decision, Barrett became the eighth commitment for State’s Class of 2026.

“It was about their plan for the program,” Barrett explained. “Talking with Coach (Jeff) Lebby and Coach (Matt) Barnes, I love the plan they have and I feel like it is a good fit for me.”

This past season at Baylor School, Barrett totaled 63 tackles, 10 PBUs, four interceptions and one forced fumble. At the next level he intends to stick at safety and got a glimpse of Mississippi State’s safeties room earlier this spring.

“They like me at safety,” added the 6-foot-2 and 190-pound Barrett. “They have a middle-of-the-field safety that tracks the ball. I went to their spring practice and checked out that position and watched the players there. I could see myself out there doing that and it is a versatile position.”

Another factor behind Barrett’s choice was the relationships he’s built with Lebby and Barnes over the past few months. He also enjoyed how much of a priority he was on their recruiting board.

“It’s been good with Coach Lebby,” noted Barrett. “It’s been good since he offered me and it has only gotten better and better. That is what led me to commit. Coach Barnes is my guy, too, and he’s been great to me through this whole process. They came down to see me a couple of times and showed their interest in me.”

With his decision made, Barrett can now turn his focus to his final prep season at Baylor School. And he plans to arrive at Mississippi State sooner than later.

“I am going to graduate early,” Barrett remarked. “To get there early and six months ahead of time is a big deal. It will help me get prepared for the college system. I think it will be good for me.”

For now, Barrett plans to take just one official visit and that is to Mississippi State on June 13-15. Barrett is also the second defensive back commitment in the class and he joins Georgia native and cornerback Camron Brown.

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