The Miami Hurricanes pulled off a significant win in Tallahassee, but the buzz wasn't just about the game itself. Among the spectators was four-star shooting guard Martay Barnes, a recruit wearing a Florida State University shirt during his visit. What caught everyone's attention was Miami players Tre Donaldson and Tru Washington greeting Barnes after the game-a rare sight that added an intriguing layer to the recruiting narrative.
While it might seem like a simple gesture of camaraderie, it’s moments like these that fuel recruiting chatter. Could it mean something substantial?
Possibly not. It might just be a case of players who know each other through basketball circles.
This kind of interaction is reminiscent of when Miami players were seen mingling with Florida recruits after the Miami vs. Florida football game in 2024.
On the recruiting front, Miami hasn't been aggressively pursuing Barnes this cycle, though they extended an offer back on July 13. Barnes, who’s been drawing significant interest, has also visited schools like Auburn and Florida State, which appear to be leading in his recruitment.
Ranked No. 67 overall in the 2027 class by 247Sports, Barnes stands out as the No. 11 shooting guard nationally and No. 12 in Florida. He hails from The Academy of Central Florida, a program known for developing top-tier talent. Interestingly, Barnes recently reclassified from the 2027 class to 2026, adding another twist to his recruitment journey.