Four months and two weeks ago, four-star safety James "JJ" Dunnigan Jr. started the year off right by committing to the Kansas Jayhawks and Lance Leipold.
However, over the last few months, rumors have flown back and forth that Dunnigan was going to flip to his hometown team, the Kansas State Wildcats. On Friday, May 16, Dunnigan shut down any notion that he was playing for anyone other than the Jayhawks by officially shutting down his recruitment.
"Born and raised, here to stay," Dunnigan wrote on X (formerly Twitter)." Recruitment shutdown. #Kansas"
Dunnigan originally committed to the Jayhawks on Jan. 1, 2025, as the No. 2 prospect in the state and the No. 18 defensive back in the class of 2026. Throughout his recruitment process, he received 22 Division I offers, ultimately landing on Kansas for his future.
James "JJ" Dunnigan high school stats
- 4 carries, 40 rushing yards
- 29 receptions, 564 receiving yards, 5 receiving touchdowns
- 94 total tackles (44 solo)
- 4 tackles for loss
- 13 pass deflections
- 4 interceptions (104 yards
- 2 forced fumbles
- 1 fumble recovery
Despite playing just two seasons of varsity football for Manhattan High School, so far, Dunnigan has already amassed an impressive stat line, which he is only looking to build on during his upcoming senior season.
Dunnigan is projected to focus on the safety position once he hits the collegiate level, but the rising senior has played on both sides of the ball over the last few years.
Also read: Projecting Kansas's 2025 two-deep depth chart after spring transfer portal pickups
Currently, Leipold and the Jayhawks lay claim to the No. 26 recruiting class of 2026 in the nation, including one four-star (Dunnigan) and 14 three-star prospects committing to Kansas.