You could argue no one in Boulder flew under the radar quite like DJ McKinney last season. While Travis Hunter grabbed every headline (deservedly), McKinney quietly became one of the most productive defenders on the field—and now, the national media is catching up.
After a breakout 2024 campaign, McKinney has been named one of the top cornerback prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft by Pro Football Focus. He even landed as a first-round projection in ESPN’s early mock, going 24th overall to the Packers.
That’s a long way from where he started last year: the new guy, a transfer from Oklahoma State, just trying to make his mark.
Filling big shoes
With Travis Hunter now off to the NFL and prepping for his rookie year with the Jaguars, McKinney is stepping into a leadership role as Colorado’s No. 1 corner. And he’s earned it.
Let’s talk numbers. In 2024, McKinney posted 62 total tackles, three interceptions, nine pass breakups, and three tackles for loss. He was on the field more than any other Buff defender, logging 840 snaps.
But it’s not just volume. PFF gave McKinney a strong 75.3 coverage grade and noted he allowed just a 58.1 passer rating into his coverage. At 6-foot-2, with long arms and good speed, he checks a lot of boxes for NFL teams looking for a rangy, boundary corner.
It’s no surprise to anyone inside the program.
“You guys don’t mention him, but we mention him every moment we can,” Coach Deion Sanders told reporters last year. “DJ is long, he can run, he competes. He’s a first-round pick to me, maybe not this year but next year for sure.”
When Coach Prime says that about a DB, he's probably right.
Cornerback room in transition
Colorado’s secondary is in a bit of a transition. With Colton Hood transferring out to Tennessee, there’s some uncertainty about who will line up opposite McKinney this fall. Options include Oklahoma transfer Makari Vickers and Illinois State’s Teon Parks.
But the one certainty is McKinney.
He’s the guy now.
Playing opposite Hunter meant McKinney often matched up with WR2s. This season, he’s going to draw the top guys from every Big 12 team. That means more eyes, more targets, and more pressure.
From unknown to unavoidable
What makes McKinney’s rise even more impressive is how quietly it all happened. He didn’t come in with a bunch of hype. He didn’t need the spotlight. He just played ball, and he played it well.
It’s a story Buffs fans can appreciate. A hard worker who came in, earned his spot, and now looks poised to be Colorado’s next big NFL name.
With spring ball wrapped and fall camp looming, expect McKinney to be one of the vocal leaders on this new-look Buffs defense. He’s not just replacing Travis Hunter, he’s writing his own story.
And this chapter starts with being the top cornerback in Boulder.
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