Tennessee Vols are reportedly 'monitoring' a quickly rising 2026 4-star recruit that's committed to a Big 12 program
The Tennessee Vols are reportedly "monitoring" a quickly rising 2026 four-star defensive back that's currently committed to a Big 12 program. 2026 four-star cornerback JJ Dunnigan has been committed to the Kansas Jawhawks since early January, but he's receiving interest from big-named programs. According to Rivals.com national recruiting analyst Greg Smith, Miami, Nebraska, and Tennessee […]
The Tennessee Vols are reportedly "monitoring" a quickly rising 2026 four-star defensive back that's currently committed to a Big 12 program.
2026 four-star cornerback JJ Dunnigan has been committed to the Kansas Jawhawks since early January, but he's receiving interest from big-named programs.
According to Rivals.com national recruiting analyst Greg Smith, Miami, Nebraska, and Tennessee are three programs that are "closely monitoring" Dunnigan.
From Rivals.com: Kansas made a great early evaluation and built a tremendous relationship with Dunnigan. It paid off with an early commitment last January. But will it hold? The four-star continues to pick up offers from around the country and his stock will rise more during his senior season.
Nebraska, Tennessee and Miami are just a few teams closely monitoring the situation.
Dunnigan, 6-foot-2/185 lbs from Manhattan, KS, is rated by 247Sports as the No. 13 cornerback in the nation and the No. 2 player in the state of Kansas. He's also rated as the No. 112 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class.
Scouting report via 247Sports: Box-checking defensive back prospect with no shortage of developmental upside given the length/speed combo. Size has not been third-party verified, but looked to be over six feet at practices for the annual Under Armour All-America Game. More notably, showcased the ability to make some dynamic turns and hang with quick-footed wide receivers in a best-on-best setting. Made plays in a variety of different ways as a junior and should offer that same position flex at the next level as he’s got the length and burst to match as an outside cornerback, but also the range and eyes to close passing lanes from a center-field safety posting. Projects as a potential multi-year starter that will likely need some seasoning before he’s ready to go on Saturdays, but one that has the traits to morph into an impact defender.
Dunnigan has ideal size for a cornerback and he's now ranked among the top players in the 2026 recruiting class. Considering his rapid rise in recent months, and the plethora of new offers coming his way, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him flip from Kansas to a more well-known program. This could be a nice under-the-radar get for the Volunteers if they're able to convince the talented cornerback to come to Knoxville.
