Miami lands 4-star safety JJ Dunnigan after Kansas decommitment

Four-star Manhattan (Kan.) safety James ‘JJ’ Dunnigan is headed to Miami, just a few short weeks after decommitting from Kansas.

Dunnigan had originally been pledged to the Jayhawks since January, choosing the in-state school over offers from Missouri, Illinois, Utah, Nebraska and a handful of others. But after interest from a host of new suitors — including Georgia Tech, Colorado, Ole Miss and others — he opted to decommit.

Immediately, he set up official visits the Buffaloes (Oct. 31) and Hurricanes (Nov. 15). But ahead of his trip to Coral Gables, he has locked in a pledge with Mario Cristobal and Co.

“Miami made me feel like a priority,” he told Rivals. “All the coaches showed love almost every single day. They are one of the best teams in college football and always produce great DBs. And I want to come in and make an impact.”.

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.

Miami is pushing toward a Top 10 class now sitting at No. 10 following Dunnigan’s good news.

“This class is special and I’m ready to get there and work!” Dunnigan said.

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.