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Oct 15, 2026 3:00 PM
Freshman safety JJ Dunnigan is electrifying the Miami Hurricanes’ secondary, parlaying a stunning pick-six against Clemson into a vital starting role as "The U's" next defensive breakout star.
MIAMI, Fla. – The No. 3 Miami Hurricanes had a freshman safety last season in Bryce Fitzgerald, who delivered an immediate impact, and JJ Dunnigan is making similar strides.
In the first five games of the season, the 18-year-old has logged 17 total tackles, eight solos and nine assists, a fumble recovery, and a pick-six dagger against Clemson in a 41-13 win at Death Valley (Memorial Stadium), in 187 total defensive snaps thus far. However, the Hurricanes are not surprised by the early production.
“I’ve been saying it since the spring; he’s a hidden gem,” Fitzgerald told the media in Wednesday’s media availability through Zoom. “He’s not hidden anymore.”
Dating back to spring practices earlier this year, Dunnigan emerged as a standout among the 2026 high school recruiting class. He was ranked a four-star, top-15 safety – 115th nationally – according to 247Sports Composite. Dunnigan attended Manhattan High School, a public institution in Riley County, Kansas. In three seasons, he logged 151 total tackles, 69 solos and 82 assists, eight tackles for loss, a sack, and four interceptions in 34 total games, according to MaxPreps.
After initially committing to Kansas, Dunnigan flipped to the Hurricanes in early November of 2025 before December’s National Signing Day. He joined a veteran-heavy secondary with most of last season’s cast retained, outside of corner/nickelback Keionte Scott and safety Jakobe Thomas, both of whom were late-round selections in this year’s NFL Draft.
Regardless, the Hurricanes don’t shy away from playing freshmen, especially those who build trust with the coaching staff.
Dunnigan has started in three games thus far this season – Florida A&M, Wake Forest, and Central Michigan. It was much needed for him to step up as the Hurricanes battled through injuries, primarily in the secondary. Dunnigan showed versatility, being slotted at nickelback.
In 10 snaps, the freshman has generated five snaps – the second-most among the Hurricanes’ defensive backs, only behind junior corner/safety/nickelback Omar Thornton’s 11.
Dunnigan has played the most snaps – 213 overall (including special teams) – among the 2026 high school recruiting class. Even as the Hurricanes are preparing for the returns of cornerbacks Xavier Lucas and Damari Brown, he will still have an extended role in the secondary. Dunnigan could primarily be used as a safety as the Hurricanes’ depth nears full strength.
The Manhattan native is on pace to receive freshman All-American votes. Dunnigan will have an opportunity to make more plays against the Florida State Seminoles this Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. E.T. and will be televised on ESPN.
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