McKinley played in six games as a freshman before breaking his left fibula in practice.[5] The injury caused him to miss the entirety of his sophomore season.[6] McKinley played in four games as a junior.[7] Shortly after the end of the season, McKinley was suspended from the team after being charged with three misdemeanors, but was reinstated after entering a pretrial diversion program.[8]
In 2019, McKinley saw his first significant playing time and finished the season with 11 receptions for 268 yards and four touchdowns.[9] McKinley utilized a fifth year of eligibility and caught 42 passes for 717 yards and three touchdowns and was named honorable mention All-Atlantic Coast Conference.[10]
McKinley signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent after the 2021 NFL draft.[14] He was waived on August 31, 2021 and re-signed to the practice squad the next day.[15][16] He signed a reserve/future contract with the Lions on January 10, 2022.[17] He was waived on May 12, 2022.
Pittsburgh Steelers
On August 1, 2022, he signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.[18] On August 11, 2022, he was waived/injured.[19] He cleared waivers and was placed on injured reserve the next day.[20] On August 16, he was waived with an injury settlement.
