Colorado Buffaloes, Deion Sanders Lose Top Cornerback To Transfer Portal

According to a report on the eve of the college football transfer portal window opening, top Colorado Buffaloes cornerback DJ McKinney is set to leave Boulder.

Apr 19, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes cornerback DJ McKinney (8) during the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

It took longer than expected, but a Thursday afternoon report revealed that top Colorado Buffaloes cornerback DJ McKinney will indeed enter the transfer portal when it opens Friday.

McKinney, a former Oklahoma State Cowboys transfer, spent the past two seasons in Boulder and was honored during Colorado's 2025 Senior Day, signaling his intentions to leave the Buffs. After entering the year as a projected 2026 NFL Draft pick, McKinney largely performed below expectations in his fourth college season.

Nov 29, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes cornerback DJ McKinney (8) celebrates his interception with wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) in the second half against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The 6-foot-2, 180-pound Texan joined the Buffs prior to the 2024 season and performed well as Colorado's No. 2 cornerback behind Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, 61 total tackles, one forced fumble and three interceptions. As a result, he earned an All-Big 12 Coaches honorable mention cornerback nod.

Stepping into coach Deion Sanders' top cornerback role this past season, McKinney totaled 35 tackles, five pass breakups and an interception in Colorado's season opener against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. According to On3, he'll now look for opportunities elsewhere in the transfer portal.

Robert Livingston Speaks On DJ McKinney's Development

Sep 28, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; UCF Knights quarterback KJ Jefferson (1) is tackled by Colorado Buffaloes cornerback DJ McKinney (8) and safety Carter Stoutmire (23) during the second half at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Midway through this past season, Colorado defensive coordinator Robert Livingston shared his thoughts on McKinney's shaky year and his promising future.

"I'm excited to see his maturation. He's still a young player," Livingston said. "You're talking about a guy that has started for a year and a half. His future is very, very bright. I will never give up on DJ, so I'm excited to see what he does."

MORE: New Colorado Athletic Director's Opinion On Deion Sanders Is Loud And Clear

MORE: Colorado Basketball's Five Most Important Big 12 Conference Matchups

MORE: Colorado Looking to Add Weapons for Julian Lewis in Transfer Portal

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List Of Colorado Players Set To Enter Transfer Portal

Sep 14, 2024; Fort Collins, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes cornerback DJ McKinney (8) during pregame warmups at Sonny Lubick Field at Canvas Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images | Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

The Buffs are currently set to lose 26 scholarship players when the transfer portal opens on Friday.

• Safety TJ Branch
• Defensive lineman Jehiem Oatis
• Cornerback Noah King
• Cornerback Teon Parks
• Linebacker Mantrez Walker
• Safety Terrance Love
• Safety Tawfiq Byard
• Wide receiver Omarion Miller
• Defensive tackle Brandon Davis-Swain
• Offensive lineman Carde Smith
• Defensive end Alexander McPherson
• Offensive lineman Tyler Brown
• Defensive tackle Gavriel Lightfoot
• Defensive tackle Christian Hudson
• Defensive tackle Tawfiq Thomas
• Wide receiver Dre'lon Miller
• Safety John Slaughter
• Linebacker Shaun Myers
• Running back Dallan Hayden
• Defensive tackle Tavian Coleman
• Defensive end Samuel Okunlola
• Linebacker Reginald Hughes
• Quarterback Ryan Staub
• Defensive end London Merritt
• Defensive end Nikhil Webb Walker
• Cornerback DJ McKinney