He was named the 2021 USA Today High School Football Defensive Player of the Year before playing college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide, where he was named an All-American in 2023.

[3] McKinstry was rated a five-star recruit and committed to play college football at Alabama.

[5] McKinstry played in every game, and was named to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) All-Freshman team, making 25 tackles with a sack and one interception.

[10] On March 1, 2024, it was revealed that McKinstry was diagnosed with a fracture in his right foot, preventing him from taking part at the Combine, but he later stated that he would still participate in the Pro Day activities.

[15] He signed a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deal with Kool-Aid as a freshman at Alabama.