4-star DL Darryus McKinley down to four schools

Lafayette (La.) Acadiana four-star defensive lineman Darryus McKinley is one of the top incoming seniors in The Boot. Four programs are the top of his recruitment.

McKinley told On3’s Hayes Fawcett on Monday that Florida, LSU, Tennessee and Texas are his four finalists. McKinley is the younger brother of current LSU DL Dominick McKinley.

Darryus is the No. 369 overall prospect and No. 33 DL in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 10 player in Louisiana.

The hometown Tigers have long been one to watch for McKinley since inking his brother at the end of the 2024 cycle. He returned to Baton Rouge in January and told On3’s Steve Wiltfong that he continues to like what he’s seeing from head coach Brian Kelly, defensive ends coach Kevin Peoples and Co.

“The environment in LSU was very hype and was a great time over with the coaches and the other recruits,” McKinley said. “The part I’m most excited about at LSU is playing with my brother while he is there.”

When speaking with On3’s Billy Embody over the weekend at the Under Armour camp in New Orleans, McKinley said that he was narrowing his process and was now looking to schedule official visits.

LSU is trending in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, though, and will be a tough out when the time comes to lock in a decision. McKinley’s recruitment continues to carry an SEC flavor and he’s now set to hone in on the Volunteers, Gators and Longhorns in addition to the hometown program.