Notre Dame Football Acquires Colorado Transfer, CB DJ McKinney
Notre Dame football has secured a promising addition through the transfer portal. Former Colorado defensive back DJ McKinney recently committed to the Irish. This announcement was made on January 9, following McKinney’s visit to South Bend.
About DJ McKinney
DJ McKinney, a 6-foot-2, 180-pound cornerback from Colleyville, Texas, was a notable high school recruit. He garnered a three-star rating and achieved recognition as an honorable mention all-conference player in the Big 12 for the 2024 season.
Career Highlights
- Played in all 13 games in 2024 under coach Deion Sanders.
- Accumulated 62 tackles and three interceptions during the 2024 season.
- Ranked fourth in the Big 12 with nine pass breakups in 2024.
- Recorded a total of 35 tackles, one interception, and four pass breakups in 2025 before an injury sidelined him for the last three games.
During his career at Colorado, McKinney participated in 670 total snaps, including 73 on special teams. He primarily functioned as an outside cornerback but also showed versatility by playing at nickelback and box safety.
Statistical Overview
| Year | Games Played | Tackles | Interceptions | Pass Breakups | Total Snaps | Missed Tackles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 13 | 62 | 3 | – | 877 | 21 |
| 2025 | 10 | 35 | 1 | 4 | 670 | 3 |
With one year of eligibility remaining, McKinney aims to strengthen Notre Dame’s defensive lineup. He is expected to compete for the starting nickelback position, which was recently vacated by Devonta Smith as he prepares for the NFL Combine.
Notre Dame’s Defensive Backfield Changes
The Irish have experienced significant changes in their defensive backfield, with six players leaving for other programs through the transfer portal. Notable transfers include:
- Karson Hobbs to Florida State.
- Cree Thomas to Colorado.
- JaDon Blair to Missouri.
McKinney’s addition will provide much-needed depth, especially with injuries affecting the current roster, including starting cornerbacks Leonard Moore and Christian Gray. Rising sophomore Mark Zackery IV also returns after a promising debut season.
As Notre Dame prepares for its upcoming season, McKinney’s experience and skills will be integral in bolstering the team’s defense. His capture signals the Irish’s ongoing commitment to enhance their squad through strategic recruitment. Follow El-Balad for more updates on Notre Dame football.
