Michigan football QB Bryce Underwood works out at a private throwing session
Michigan football QB Bryce Underwood works out at a private throwing session in Detroit
For the first time in weeks, Michigan football swung and missed on the recruiting trail.
The Wolverines did their best to pursue yet another highly-touted prospect − four-star class of 2026 defensive back Donovan Webb from Panther Creek High School in Frisco, Texas − but on Wednesday, July 2, the Texas native opted to stay in state and pledge to Texas Tech
Webb, a 6-foot, 182-pound safety, is the No. 30 safety in the country according to 247 Sports’ composite rankings, as well as the No. 42 player in Texas and No. 349 overall nationally.
“Ultra-productive safety prospect with three-phase playmaking experience,” 247 Sports scouting analyst Gabe Brooks wrote. “Ballhawk who looks for the big play. Shows some open-field speed-building ability. … Plays a hyper-competitive style. Testing and track data suggest room to improve top-end speed.
“Projects as a high-major safety with possible role versatility depending on down-and-distance situations. Could become a multi-year starter with the instincts and production that suggest potential beyond college.”
Webb was productive as a junior, recording 120 tackles, nine pass breakups, five interceptions and two forced fumbles. While he’s primarily a defender — he was named the Texas Class 7-4A D-1 Co-Defensive MVP — he also flashed the ability to affect the game in every phase, rushing 19 times for 172 yards (9.1 yards per carry) with one touchdown while also adding a pair of punt return touchdowns and 330 return yards.
A speedster on the track, Webb also set personal records of 22.56 seconds in the 200 meters and 11.01 seconds in the 100 this past spring.
He was highly sought after, holding three dozen Division I offers with Notre Dame and Kansas State being the other primary competitors.
Webb would’ve been the third defensive back to enter the fold, joining four-star Brody Jennings out of Jacksonville, Florida and four-star Andre Clark out of Richmond, Virginia.
The Wolverines are up to 20 commits in the class of 2026, which was rated No. 8 in the nation.
Tony Garcia is the Michigan Wolverines beat writer for the Detroit Free Press. Email him at apgarcia@freepress.com and follow him on X at @RealTonyGarcia.
