Chinn played at Southern Illinois from 2016 to 2019.[2][3] He played both safety and cornerback.[4] In 2016, Chinn was named to the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) All-Newcomer Team,[5] and the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Freshman All-American first-team.[6] In 2017, he was named to the All-MVFC second-team.[7] In 2018 and 2019, he was named to the All-MVFC first-team.[8][9] Chinn was also named a consensus FCS All-American in 2019.[10] During his career, he started 27 of 38 games, recording 243 tackles, 13 interceptions, and one sack.[11][12]
In Week 6 against the Chicago Bears, Chinn recorded his first career interception off a pass thrown by Nick Foles during the 23–16 loss.[16] He was named Defensive Rookie of the Month after posting 30 tackles, four passes defensed, and an interception in the month of October.[17] In Week 12 against the Minnesota Vikings, Chinn recovered back-to-back fumbles lost by quarterback Kirk Cousins and running back Dalvin Cook, returning both fumbles for touchdowns, with the first being a 17-yard touchdown and the other a 28-yard touchdown. Chinn finished the game with a team high 13 tackles as the Panthers would go on to lose 28–27.[18]
Chinn was named the Defensive Rookie of the Month for his performance in November.[19]
On October 5, 2022, Chinn was placed on injured reserve after suffering a hamstring injury in Week 4.[20] He was activated on November 19.[21] On October 24, 2023, Chinn was placed on injured reserve with a quadriceps injury.[22] He was activated on December 2.[23]