In a surprise move, in-state defensive back JJ Dunnigan has announced he is de-committing from the Kansas Jayhawks football program. This comes two days after Kansas was blown out by Kansas State on Saturday in the Sunflower Showdown, KU’s 17th-straight loss in the series.
According to the four-star prospect, the decision came after “much prayer and thoughtful conversations” with his family. “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,” Dunnigan wrote on social media, adding that while the decision was not easy, he believes it’s “the best decision for me and my future.”
Here was his post on social media.
Dunnigan was Kansas’ top-rated verbal commitment for the 2026 cycle and represented a major haul for the Jayhawks back in January, choosing KU over finalists including Kansas State Wildcats, Nebraska Cornhuskers and Stanford Cardinal.
Since his announcement, Dunnigan has locked in an official visit with a program currently ranked among the AP Top 10 and has racked up new offers from multiple major schools, including Ole Miss Rebels, Oregon Ducks, Miami Hurricanes, Tennessee Volunteers and Florida Gators.
Scouting reports point to Dunnigan’s rare combination of length and speed, his ability to stick with quick-footed receivers in best-on-best settings, and his versatility to play either outside corner or deep safety. While he may require some seasoning, analysts project him as a multi-year starter at the next level — making this de-commitment all the more notable for Kansas’ 2026 class.
On the field, the Jayhawks host Oklahoma State on Saturday with kick off set for 3:00 p.m.
