There’s a lot to unpack when it comes to DJ McKinney, one of Notre Dame’s eight transfer portal additions heading into the 2026 season - and arguably the most intriguing of the bunch.
Let’s start with the basics: McKinney brings experience. A lot of it.
More than any of the other seven transfers who’ll be suiting up for the Irish this fall. That group includes some big-time names from powerhouse programs - Keon Keeley from Alabama, Mylan Graham and Quincy Porter from Ohio State, Francis Brewu from Pitt, Jayden Sanders from Michigan, Tionne Gray from Oregon, and kicker Spencer Porath.
But McKinney stands out because he’s already played a lot of football, and he’s done it at a high level.
His former head coach didn’t mince words before the 2025 season, calling McKinney a first-round NFL Draft talent. That kind of praise doesn’t come lightly, especially for a defensive back.
But it makes sense when you look at his physical tools and versatility. At 6-foot-2, McKinney isn’t just a long, rangy corner - he’s a guy who can line up anywhere in the secondary.
Field corner, boundary corner, nickel - he’s done it all. And that’s rare.
Usually, a player with his frame is locked into one spot. McKinney’s ability to move around the back end of a defense gives Notre Dame’s coaching staff a lot of flexibility.
Now, the numbers. Statistically, McKinney’s production dipped from 2024 to 2025.
That’s a fact. But stats don’t always tell the whole story, especially for a cornerback.
Sometimes a drop in numbers means quarterbacks just stopped throwing your way. Sometimes it’s about scheme changes or different roles.
Whatever the case, it’s not necessarily a red flag - especially when you’re bringing in a player with McKinney’s tape, tools, and track record.
Notre Dame’s secondary is getting a player who’s not just experienced, but battle-tested. He’s played in big games, lined up across from elite receivers, and held his own. And with the Irish looking to reload and make a serious push in 2026, McKinney’s presence could be a stabilizing force on the back end of the defense.
He may not be the flashiest name in this transfer class, but make no mistake - DJ McKinney could end up being one of the most important.