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4-star safety James 'JJ' Dunnigan decommits from Kansas

Wg0vf-nP_400x400by: Keegan Pope10 hours agobykeeganpope
James Dunnigan copy 1.jpg
(Photo by Chad Simmons/Rivals)

Four-star Manhattan (Kan.) safety James ‘JJ’ Dunnigan has decommitted from Kansas, he announced on Monday night. His decision comes on the heels of KU’s 42-17 drubbing at the hands of rival Kansas State, dropping the program to 4-4 on the year.

Dunnigan had been pledged to the Jayhawks since January, choosing the in-state school over offers from Missouri, Illinois, Utah, Nebraska and a handful of others.

“After much prayer and thoughtful conversations with my family, I’ve decided to decommit from the University of Kansas,” he wrote on Twitter in his announcement. “I’m truly grateful for everything the coaches and staff have done for me and for the way they’ve treated me throughout this process. This was not an easy decision, but I believe it’s the best one for me and my future.”

Rivals’ Greg Smith provides the latest intel on top contenders for JJ Dunnigan

Earlier this fall, he picked up offers from both Georgia Tech and Colorado, which added to a growing list of schools interested in him since his commitment. Ole Miss, Oregon, Miami, Tennessee and a handful of others also got involved this spring.

As a junior, Dunnigan starred on both sides of the ball. He totaled 65 tackles, six pass breakups and three interceptions on defense while catching 28 passes for 556 yards and five touchdowns on offense. He was also a weapon on special teams with three returns for touchdowns.

Dunnigan was also an Under Armour All-American as a junior.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder is the No. 136 overall prospect in the 2026 class, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, an equally weighted average that utilizes all three major recruiting services. He also ranks as the nation’s No. 14 safety and the No. 2 recruit in the Sunflower State.

The Jayhawks are now done to just one blue-chip commitment and 19 in total following Dunnigan’s departure. KU’s class currently sits at No. 45 nationally and No. 8 in the Big 12.