Dunnigan finished his high school career in the grandest fashion of all. The Manhattan defensive back and his Indian teammates finished with a blowout win in the Class 6A State Title Game. He played a key role in the title games as the Indians’ defense shut out Olathe Northwest. The No. 2-ranked athlete in the Kansas Class of 2026 finished his senior season with 57 total tackles. He recorded four tackles for lost yardage, one quarterback sack, and three pass breakups. Over the past three seasons, he tallied 151 total tackles and four interceptions. He has verbally committed to Miami University.

James Dunnigan Jr James Dunnigan Jr 6'3" | 190 lbs | DB/ATH Manhattan | 2026 State KS   , 6’3, 195, WR/DB, Manhattan, ’26. He is probably one of the most widely-known high school players in Kansas and for good reason, as he is a generational talent who we will one day see play on Sundays. In the meantime he has been fine-tuning a versatile skill set that is rapidly approaching a 5-star status level as one of the best of the best nationwide. He is coming off a sizzling junior year when he helped lead his team to a 12-1 record and scored nine TD’s on receptions, returns and interceptions. With his length, burst and pure athleticism, he can play anywhere, as a suffocating shut-down corner, float over the top as a ball-hawk safety or even drop down in the box on occasion as a hybrid LB to hammer plays at the line of scrimmage. His official visit with KU is June 6-8. He and his Manhattan teammates are ready to run it back for another shot at the state title. Get your popcorn ready, this guy is going to put on a show for the ages this fall.