Another Colorado Buffaloes transfer is moving up a tier after choosing their next landing spot, with cornerback DJ McKinney committing to Notre Dame.
McKinney was a 22-game starter at Colorado, totaling 97 tackles, four interceptions, one tackle for loss and a pick-six. A standout 2024 season playing across from Travis Hunter had McKinney generating plenty of NFL draft buzz entering 2025, with most experts saying another season with similar numbers would see him as a 2026 first-round pick. However, his stats took a step back, not because of his own performance, but because the entire defense was not the same. The lesser season means McKinney would need another year of college football to recoup some of his draft stock.
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Unsurprisingly, McKinney chose Notre Dame, a program that should be in the national title conversation next season and one where he can be a key piece of a top-20 defensive unit. The Fighting Irish are the Texas native’s third collegiate program, after he began his career at Oklahoma State and transferred to Colorado in 2024.
Colorado has signed plenty of cornerbacks to take McKinney’s place, including former Notre Dame corner Cree Thomas, who McKinney might be replacing in South Bend. How McKinney’s final season unfolds will be fascinating to watch, particularly where he ultimately gets drafted.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Colorado football transfer news DJ McKinney commits Notre Dame
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