Former Colorado cornerback DJ McKinney made an important visit to Notre Dame on Friday, stirring excitement among fans and analysts. Initially, college football insider Pete Nakos reported that McKinney had signed with the Fighting Irish, as indicated in the NCAA’s transfer portal database. However, shortly thereafter, this signing status was retracted, demonstrating the ongoing fluidity of transfer portal commitments.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his signing, McKinney’s visit to Notre Dame did take place and continues to make him a player to watch as the Irish pursue their first public commitment from the transfer portal. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound cornerback, ranked as the No. 263 overall player and the No. 27 cornerback in the 2026 On3 Industry Transfer Portal Rankings, has one year of eligibility remaining.
In his most recent season, McKinney earned All-Big 12 honorable mention recognition, ranking fourth in the conference with nine pass breakups. Before injury sidelined him for the final three games, he recorded 35 tackles—including 27 solo tackles—along with one interception and five pass breakups in the nine games he played.
Originally from Colleyville, Texas, McKinney began his college career at Oklahoma State before transferring to Colorado. His name now buzzes in the college football landscape as he navigates this critical phase of his athletic career, and his potential commitment to Notre Dame could significantly impact the team’s defensive strategies moving forward. As this story develops, McKinney is sure to stay on the radar of football fans eager to see where he ultimately lands.