Kinnel grew up in Huber Heights, Ohio and was an NFL fan, attending several Cincinnati Bengals games though he did not support a particular team.

[2] As a senior in 2018, he started 13 games and compiled 74 tackles with three for loss and two pass breakups.

Kinnel was named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten as a junior and senior.

[5] After going undrafted in the 2019 NFL draft, Kinnel signed with the Cincinnati Bengals.

[9] Kinnel was selected in the eighth round of the 2020 XFL Draft by the DC Defenders.