DJ McKinney arrives at Notre Dame from Colorado as a veteran addition to the Fighting Irish secondary. His transfer gives the program another experienced defensive back as it continues building one of the nation’s strongest cornerback groups.
McKinney is viewed as a ball-hawking cornerback whose skills could help Notre Dame create more disruption in coverage. The 2026 player profile centers on his ability to compete for a significant role after making the move to South Bend.
The clearest opportunity could come on the boundary opposite All-American Leonard Moore. If McKinney secures that spot, Notre Dame would have a potentially imposing pairing on the outside while adding depth and experience through the transfer portal.
Notre Dame has repeatedly used the portal to reinforce its defensive backfield, with previous additions including Nick McCloud, Thomas Harper, Rod Heard and Jordan Clark. McKinney represents the latest effort to maintain that pipeline of talent in the Irish secondary.
