Florida State University Athletics
Seminoles Add Four-Star Barnes to Signing Class
4/15/2026 9:18:00 AM | Men's Basketball
TALLAHASSEE – Florida State has added guard Martay Barnes to its 2026 signing class, head coach Luke Loucks announced Wednesday.
"Martay Barnes is an explosive, play-making guard," Loucks said. "We've been incredibly impressed with his game – his speed, his skill, his ability to attack, and the energy he brings on both ends of the floor. He puts constant pressure on the defense and has a natural instinct to make the right play. The fact that he's reclassifying to join us early says a lot about his work ethic and commitment to his development. We're excited to get him to Tallahassee and start working with him right away."
FSU's class is ranked No. 9 in the nation and No. 2 in the ACC according to the 247Sports Composite Team Rankings. Barnes' addition gives the Seminoles five four-star signees, including November signees Brandon Bass Jr., Jasen Lopez, Collin Paul and Marcis Ponder.
Martay Barnes | PG | 6-2 | 165 | Palm Bay, Fla. | The Academy of Central Florida
BEFORE FSU: Consensus four-star prospect…rated as the Class of 2026's No. 2 combo guard and the No. 10 overall prospect from Florida in Rivals Industry Ranking…ranked as No. 7 nationally at his position and No. 12 overall in Florida on 247Sports Composite…tabbed as No. 60 overall recruit and No. 7 prospect from Florida by ESPN…led Academy of Central Florida to 2026 SIAA state championship…recorded 14.3 points, 3.2 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game in the 3SSB Circuit with the Austin Rivers SE Elite...averaged 19 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 3.4 steals, and shot 34% from the 3-point line in the 2025-2026 Grind Session…scored 17 points in the semifinal of the Grind Session Men's World Championship…scored 32 points against New School on December 20, 2025…reclassified to Class of 2026 and committed to Florida State in February of 2026.
Quotes on Martay Barnes
"Part of me doesn't want you to go, but a part of me wants you to go farther and fly higher than I ever have. As you move forward, I encourage you to hold on to the growth and resilience that have brought you to this point. Your future is filled with promise, and I know you'll make a lasting impact. Your mom is extremely proud of you. You'll always have my support and admiration. I love you son; now let's go be great, baby boy!"
Shantay Frye
Martay's Mother
"I've watched my brother chase this dream with everything he has, and now seeing him head to Florida State University to play basketball makes me prouder than I can even put into words. This is just the beginning of something great. I'll always be your biggest supporter. I love you, Brodie, you're going to shine!"
DJ Henry
Martay's Brother
"As his older sibling, I've had the privilege of watching my younger brother grow into a driven and accomplished individual. His dedication and work ethic continue to impress everyone around him. He's proof that with hard work and belief in yourself, you can turn your goals into reality."
Bryan Sanders
Martay's Brother
"Witnessing my brother take the court at FSU for basketball is a triumphal moment, where every sacrifice, struggle, and late night culminates in pure victory. I've witnessed the relentless dedication you've poured into your craft, and I'm utterly thrilled to see the incredible person you're evolving into and the dream you're living. I love you, bro."
Ra'Heim Sanders
Martay's Brother
"Congrats, Tay! I just want you to know how proud I am of you. I've watched you from the very beginning to where you are now, and it's been nothing but growth, dedication, and heart. You're living proof that hard work really pays off. Keep God first in everything you do, stay true to yourself, and never lose that love you have for the grind. This is just the start for you, and I already know you're going to do great things. Keep going, keep pushing, and never doubt how far you can go. I love you always."
Jamari Jones
Martay's Cousin
"Martay Barnes is an explosive, play-making guard," Loucks said. "We've been incredibly impressed with his game – his speed, his skill, his ability to attack, and the energy he brings on both ends of the floor. He puts constant pressure on the defense and has a natural instinct to make the right play. The fact that he's reclassifying to join us early says a lot about his work ethic and commitment to his development. We're excited to get him to Tallahassee and start working with him right away."
FSU's class is ranked No. 9 in the nation and No. 2 in the ACC according to the 247Sports Composite Team Rankings. Barnes' addition gives the Seminoles five four-star signees, including November signees Brandon Bass Jr., Jasen Lopez, Collin Paul and Marcis Ponder.
Martay Barnes | PG | 6-2 | 165 | Palm Bay, Fla. | The Academy of Central Florida
BEFORE FSU: Consensus four-star prospect…rated as the Class of 2026's No. 2 combo guard and the No. 10 overall prospect from Florida in Rivals Industry Ranking…ranked as No. 7 nationally at his position and No. 12 overall in Florida on 247Sports Composite…tabbed as No. 60 overall recruit and No. 7 prospect from Florida by ESPN…led Academy of Central Florida to 2026 SIAA state championship…recorded 14.3 points, 3.2 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game in the 3SSB Circuit with the Austin Rivers SE Elite...averaged 19 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 3.4 steals, and shot 34% from the 3-point line in the 2025-2026 Grind Session…scored 17 points in the semifinal of the Grind Session Men's World Championship…scored 32 points against New School on December 20, 2025…reclassified to Class of 2026 and committed to Florida State in February of 2026.
Quotes on Martay Barnes
"Part of me doesn't want you to go, but a part of me wants you to go farther and fly higher than I ever have. As you move forward, I encourage you to hold on to the growth and resilience that have brought you to this point. Your future is filled with promise, and I know you'll make a lasting impact. Your mom is extremely proud of you. You'll always have my support and admiration. I love you son; now let's go be great, baby boy!"
Shantay Frye
Martay's Mother
"I've watched my brother chase this dream with everything he has, and now seeing him head to Florida State University to play basketball makes me prouder than I can even put into words. This is just the beginning of something great. I'll always be your biggest supporter. I love you, Brodie, you're going to shine!"
DJ Henry
Martay's Brother
"As his older sibling, I've had the privilege of watching my younger brother grow into a driven and accomplished individual. His dedication and work ethic continue to impress everyone around him. He's proof that with hard work and belief in yourself, you can turn your goals into reality."
Bryan Sanders
Martay's Brother
"Witnessing my brother take the court at FSU for basketball is a triumphal moment, where every sacrifice, struggle, and late night culminates in pure victory. I've witnessed the relentless dedication you've poured into your craft, and I'm utterly thrilled to see the incredible person you're evolving into and the dream you're living. I love you, bro."
Ra'Heim Sanders
Martay's Brother
"Congrats, Tay! I just want you to know how proud I am of you. I've watched you from the very beginning to where you are now, and it's been nothing but growth, dedication, and heart. You're living proof that hard work really pays off. Keep God first in everything you do, stay true to yourself, and never lose that love you have for the grind. This is just the start for you, and I already know you're going to do great things. Keep going, keep pushing, and never doubt how far you can go. I love you always."
Jamari Jones
Martay's Cousin
Players Mentioned
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