Another key piece is gone from Boulder as a projected NFL talent exits Deion Sanders’ program.
Star cornerback chooses transfer portal over NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Colorado cornerback DJ McKinney, once viewed as a potential first-round NFL Draft pick in early mock drafts, has elected to stay in college football while entering the transfer portal, departing the Colorado Buffaloes and Deion Sanders’ program in search of a new opportunity.
The move was first reported by On3 through Hayes Fawcett, with McKinney later confirming the decision on his Instagram account. As of now, no schools of interest have been publicly identified.
McKinney exits Boulder after two productive seasons as a fixture in Coach Prime’s secondary. Over that span, he recorded 97 tackles, 14 pass breakups, four interceptions, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and a pick six, while starting 22 games. His length, physicality, and ball skills made him a consistent presence on the outside and an early name to monitor in NFL Draft circles before opting to return to school.
While his next destination remains unclear, McKinney was seen Saturday attending the Orange Bowl as a fan for the College Football Playoff quarterfinal between Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Oregon Ducks, according to video shared on his Instagram Stories.
MORE: Major shakeup hits Colorado’s quarterback room as transfer portal losses reach 23
McKinney’s departure adds to a rapidly growing list of exits for Colorado. According to 247Sports, the Buffaloes now have 28 players in the transfer portal, with the winter window officially open through January 16. The number highlights the scope of roster turnover facing the program as it heads into another offseason of reshaping.
MORE: Deion Sanders loses another star player to the transfer portal
For now, McKinney enters the portal as one of the most accomplished defensive backs available, bringing starting experience, proven production, and immediate impact potential wherever he lands next.
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Category: General Sports
