MAC TE Grayson Barnes Commits to West Virginia

WVU football bolstered its tight ends room with a commitment from Northern Illinois transfer Grayson Barnes Saturday morning.

Grayson Barnes (6-5, 225) is a converted wide receiver who caught 31 passes for 338 yards and four touchdowns this past season. As a receiver in 2023, Barnes caught 23 passes for 422 yards and five scores.

Barnes helped the Huskies to an 8-5 record last season. He caught six passes for 57 yards and a pair of touchdowns in NIU’s Potato Bowl win over Fresno State.

The California native spent the prior two years at American River College, earning All-American honors in 2022.

WVU was in need of tight ends after underclassman Jack Sammarco entered the transfer portal earlier this week. Sammarco’s departure was first noticed on April 15 when he was no longer listed as a member of the team. Up until that point, Sammarco appeared to be in line for an increased role.

Many speculated that Sammarco was a potential starter based on Johnny Pascuzzi and Jackson Accuardi were cut following the Spring Showcase event.

Sammarco, a member of Neal Brown’s 2024 class, was considered a top 50 recruit in Ohio and a top 100 tight end nationally out of high school. He attended Anderson High School in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Other tight ends on the roster include Morgantown natives Noah Braham and Colin McBee, Jacob Barrick and Greg Genross.

Find more coverage of WVU football recruiting and at WV Sports Now.