BREAKING | 2026 CB Corey 'Deuce' Warner Commits To UMass
The Minutemen added a piece to their secondary with the addition of Kentucky cornerback Corey Warner.
UMass’ first official visit weekend has been incredibly successful so far with the Minutemen getting commits from key defensive line and offensive recruits.
Now, they get one of their biggest commitments yet with star Kentucky defensive back Corey “Deuce” Warner.
Last weekend, the Minutemen brought a dozen talents in for an official visit weekend. UMass’ ability to build a real relationship as quickly as they did impressed Warner.
“The official visit last weekend was wonderful and I had the time of my life,” Warner said. “They already said it was going to be fast because they offered late. They said it was going to be quick and they made it happen.”
The 5-foot-11, 180-pound defensive back is the second highest rated Kentucky cornerback and the No. 18 player in the state, according to 247sports.
His 73-inch wingspan gives him a unique ability to meet the ball at its highest point, preventing receiver success. Last season at Dupont Manual, the high school junior finished with 31 tackles, an interception, nine pass breakups, a 38% competition rate and a 10% target rate throughout the entire season.
“(UMass fans) can expect a leader and a very physical corner…They can also expect elite man coverage, good hips, good tackling and all of the above really.”
CHECK OUT WARNER’S JUNIOR HIGHLIGHTS HERE
Warner, a three-star recruit, got offers from many different Mid-American Conference rivals, including Toledo, Akron, Bowling Green, Eastern Michigan and Miami (OH).
“My first offer was Toledo, and then Eastern Michigan,” Warner said. “I was hot when I got those. Colleges were recruiting, texting and offering me. Then it slowed down, but when spring hit I got hot again and got offered by three more MAC schools.”
He received his final offer from the Minutemen on June 3, just a couple weeks prior to official visit weekend. Through a phone conversation with defensive coordinator Jared Keyte and a successful pitch by UMass head coach Joe Harasymiak, Warner decided to commit to a future in Amherst.
“I ended up with UMass because it felt like a home away from home,” he said. “My conversation with coach Harasymiak was very smooth and efficient. It was very deep when I was talking to him. He wanted nothing but the best for me so that was really one of the reasons why I committed. He’s a team guy that is not for self, and won’t try to pressure you to commit. It just all felt right.”
After the head coach hiring of Harasymiak, UMass football moved to positional hirings, one being defensive backs coach Donald Celiscar. Celiscar has an experienced background in the MAC after helping Western Michigan to a bowl game in 2024 as a part of the coaching staff. His unit was extremely successful during the spring with depth and consistency on real display. Warner believes Celiscar and the rest of the UMass coaching staff is a great fit to support his college football career.
“My conversation with Coach Celiscar was more on the side of his background,” Warner said. “He coached a lot of good defensive backs and I feel as if he can take me to the next level at that spot. He’s just a great guy that keeps everything real with you.”
Warner also emphasized the conversation he had with recent UMass transfer portal acquisition TJ Magee. Warner described the connection he felt with Magee, as well as their similar mindset around winning.
“TJ Magee helped a lot,” Warner said. “He let me get to know him and I just made a good friend. He had transferred from Davidson and I can see myself in him. We are both competitive and hate to lose. He’s a great person and when I watch his film I can see that.”
Celiscar and the rest of the coaching staff worked the transfer portal well, getting guys like Magee, and now have done the same in high school recruitment. The Kentucky native is the second defensive back to commit in the 2026 class, joining David Chiavegato, who announced his commitment on May 19.
“The things I want to accomplish when I come to UMass are Freshman All-American, conference honors and just a lot of other things that aren’t just football,” Warner said. “I want to get my degree, help around the community and get to know Massachusetts more because I’m not from around that area.”
Warner will get set for his senior season at Dupont Manual, and is now part of the Harasymiak project going forward.
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