Commit Impact: What landing four-star S Donovan Webb means for Texas Tech

Texas Tech won a big recruiting battle when Frisco (TX) Panther Creek four-star safety Donovan Webb committed to the Red Raiders on Wednesday.

The 6-foot, 165-pound standout picked Texas Tech over fellow finalists Michigan, Notre Dame and conference rival Kansas State. Webb also listed nearly 40 offers from various programs across the country.

Webb is commitment No. 16 for the Texas Tech 2026 recruiting class.

Here are some quick thoughts on what Webb’s commitment means for the Red Raiders.

1. Texas Texas safeties Rob Greene was hired this past January and has quickly made himself known on the recruiting trail. Greene is the lead recruiter for 2026 commitments Maddox Quiller, Aaron Bradshaw and now Donovan Webb in his first year on campus.

2. Webb chose the Red Raiders over offers from both Michigan and Notre Dame, the first recruit to do that since the 2024 class when former five-star wide receiver Micah Hudson signed with Texas Tech.

3. Rated as a 5.9 four-star prospect, the No. 189 overall prospect on the Rivals 250 national rankings, the No. 12 overall rated safety prospect in the nation and the No. 28 overall rated prospect on the Rivals Texas Top 100 for the 2026 class – Webb is currently the highest rated defensive back commitment for the Red Raiders in the modern recruiting ratings era.

4. This commitment could create some serious momentum on the recruiting trail for the Texas Tech coaches. There are limited spots remaining in this 2026 class and a handful of top targets are set to announce their decisions in the month of July.

5. Webb has the potential to become an instant impact type of addition for the Texas Tech Defense and Special Teams group. The standout safety finished his Junior season with 120 tackles, five (5) interceptions, two (2) forced fumbles, nine (9) pass breakups on defense along with 330 total yards in punt returns and two (2) punts returned for touchdowns – earning District 7-4A Co-Defensive MVP and First Team Defensive Back honors.

6. This commitment also continues a trend of Texas Tech 2026 commitments who are set to graduate early in December and join the program in the spring semester. Our team will confirm with each 2026 commitment this month, but Webb along with Aaron Bradshaw, Stephen Cannon, Jerald Mays, Cord Nolan, Maddox Quiller and Imari Jehiel all intend on graduating early and joining the program next January.