Virginia Tech 2024 opponent and ACC rival is a finalist for former Hokies recruit

Right before Thanksgiving, Virginia Tech recruit Marcellus Barnes de-committed from the Hokies and reopened his recruiting. The four-star cornerback has been in contact with several of the nation's top programs and it appears that he's ready to announce his new school this upcoming Saturday.

Barnes lists Georgia, Mississippi, and Syracuse as his three finalists. He is scheduled to make his announcement at the All-American Bowl Saturday afternoon. Barnes, who committed to Virginia Tech in June, said back in November that he felt he rushed his decision and that's why he de-committed from Brent Pry and the Hokies.

“This has been on my mind lately, and after talking to my family about it, opening things back up is what we feel is best for me,” Barnes said to On3 back in November. “I have not been able to get back to Blacksburg and I have been taking other visits, so I wanted to re-think things and make sure of my decision in December.”

Barnes ending up at Syracuse is a worst-case scenario for Virginia Tech

Ok, so if Barnes ends up choosing Georgia or Ole Miss, then those are the two best-case scenarios for Pry and the Hokies. If he chooses Syracuse, then they will see him next season when the Hokies travel to Western New York against the Orange. Barnes is a cornerback that can come in and make an impact right away and if he chooses Syracuse, that'll be the case.

If Barnes ends up with the Orange, then it's a sign of how quickly things are coming together at Syracuse under Fran Brown, who replaced Dino Babers. First, they got Ohio State transfer quarterback Kyle McCord to come in and he'll make a huge difference in 2024, then getting a four-star commit who de-committed from a conference rival would be a big telling sign of things to come for the Orange and the rest of the ACC.