Notre Dame Secures First Transfer Commitment for 2026 Season

SOUTH BEND — Notre Dame football has made its first transfer portal signing for the 2026 season, securing a commitment from former Colorado defensive back DJ McKinney on January 9, 2026. This development follows a series of recruitment efforts that did not yield any commitments from other players in various positions.

McKinney, a 6-foot-2 and 180-pound athlete from Colleyville, Texas, previously visited Ohio State and Texas Tech before choosing Notre Dame. He was a three-star recruit in high school and was recognized as an honorable mention all-conference player by Big 12 coaches in 2024. During that season, he ranked fourth in the conference with nine pass breakups.

Career Highlights and Performance

In the 2025 season, McKinney faced challenges due to an unspecified injury that sidelined him for the final three games. Despite this setback, he recorded 35 tackles, one interception, and four pass breakups during the season. He participated in 670 total snaps, including 73 on special teams. Primarily positioned as an outside cornerback, he also saw time at nickelback and box safety, demonstrating versatility in his play.

McKinney’s performance over his college career includes significant achievements. He played in all 13 games during the 2024 season, accumulating 877 defensive snaps, 62 tackles, and three interceptions. His consistency is notable, as he has missed only 21 tackles across 2,093 snaps, resulting in a missed tackle rate of 13.2%.

Future Role at Notre Dame

With one year of eligibility remaining, McKinney is expected to compete for the starting nickelback position, previously held by former Alabama transfer DeVonta Smith, who is now preparing for the NFL Combine. This leaves sophomore Dallas Golden as the leading candidate for the slot position. McKinney’s skills as an outside cornerback will provide valuable depth, particularly given the recent departures of several defensive backs from the program.

Notre Dame has experienced a notable turnover in its defensive backfield, with six players entering the transfer portal. Recently, Karson Hobbs committed to Florida State, joining other former teammates such as Cree Thomas (Colorado) and safety JaDon Blair (Missouri) in seeking new opportunities.

As Notre Dame continues to strengthen its roster, McKinney’s arrival could play a crucial role in enhancing the team’s defensive capabilities for the upcoming season. His proven track record and experience at both Oklahoma State and Colorado position him as a significant addition to the Fighting Irish squad.

For further updates on Notre Dame football, you can follow Mike Berardino, who covers the team for the South Bend Tribune and NDInsider.com, on social media @MikeBerardino.