Miami Hurricanes' JJ Dunnigan Named as Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Semifinalist

Ahead of kickoff against No. 11 Notre, Miami Hurricanes' safety/nickelback JJ Dunnigan was named a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year award, which annually honors the nation's most outstanding true or redshirt freshman player.

The former four-star recruit has delivered an immediate impact in the secondary. Dunnigan has been elevated to a starting role, given all the injuries. In eight games, he's collected 38 total tackles, 20 solos and 18 assists, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble and recovery, and a pick-six.

Dunnigan has played 356 defensive snaps, which is the third-most among the Hurricanes' roster. Despite having 11 missed tackles this season, the 18-year-old doesn't shy away from physicality. Dunnigan has generated eight pressures, the second-most among defensive backs.

Before naming Coral Gables home, the Kansas native attended Manhattan High School, a public institution located in Riley County. As a senior, Dunnigan had a 2025-26 season with 57 total tackles, 25 solos and 32 assists, four tackles for loss, and a sack in nine games. He was ranked a top-15 safety recruit and the second-best in Kansas, according to 247Sports Composite.

Dunnigan initially pledged to stay close to home with the Jayhawks, then flipped to the Hurricanes in mid-November, a month before Signing Day. It's proving to be the right decision. Dunnigan joined a veteran-heavy defensive back room, including Bryce Fitzgerald, who had an impactful freshman campaign by leading the Atlantic Coast Conference with six interceptions. He has a plethora of resources and mentors to learn from as the on-field opportunities continue to present themselves consistently.

It starts with earning the trust of the program, especially head coach Mario Cristobal, defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman, and safeties coach Will Harris.

Dunnigan's versatility has been very beneficial to the Hurricanes' secondary, especially as it continues to navigate through injuries, such as cornerbacks Romanas "OJ" Frederique Jr. and Ja'Boree Antoine.

The rising star has an upcoming opportunity to continue making a case for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year award in a prime-time matchup against the Fighting Irish.

It could be the game of the season. Several college football fans around the nation will be tuning in as postseason stakes are on the line.

Dunnigan will very likely be named in the starting lineup as kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. E.T. and will be televised on NBC and Peacock (subscription is required).

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