Wisconsin Badgers: 3 Overreactions Following Solid 17-0 Opening Result 5 Aug 28, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell looks on during the third quarter against the Miami (OH) RedHawks at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Badgers Hosting 2026 Committed CB For Official Visit Against Maryland

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics
By Jarrett Guerrera | Last updated Sep 8, 2025 4:58 PM ET

After becoming close to a 2026 recruit, the Wisconsin Badgers will be hosting Donovan Dunmore for an official visit against the Maryland Terrapins.

Dunmore, a native of California, has been a rising star out of the state in the secondary with programs such as Arizona, Kansas State, and UNLV extending offers. However, Oregon State was the program that developed the closest relationship with Dunmore, earning a verbal commitment back in June.

When asked about the commitment, Dunmore stated, “I’ve been there 3 times and all three times were amazing even before they offered me it felt like they cared about me. The same day the staff started recruiting me they let me go on an unofficial visit.”

Despite his commitment, some programs have still shown interest and worked to develop a relationship with Dunmore. One such program has been the Badgers who feel that Dunmore is both a versatile and skilled defender in the secondary who could find his way to the field relatively soon. “Yes, they have been. Im looking for just the same love and home feeling as Oregon,” stated Dunmore when asked about whether or not Wisconsin has been in contact.

This past season, Dunmore recorded 58 tackles, five interceptions, and three total touchdowns (One INT return, two receiving) for his team.

Wisconsin Badgers Set to Host Oregon State Commitment Donovan Dunmore During Maryland Clash

Wisconsin Badgers May Consider Resting Starting QB Following Brutal Injury Scare 1 Aug 28, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell looks on during the second quarter against the Miami (OH) RedHawks at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

The Badgers have worked to make another move on the recruit, and have booked an official visit with Dunmore for the clash against Maryland. Dunmore will be in attendance for the game, which should be a packed event as the game is scheduled to be a white-out and multiple other recruiting targets will be in attendance.

The interest in Dunmore and why the Badgers have become so attached to the recruit is rather clear due to his skills on the field. Dunmore stands tall at 6-foot even and roughly 193 pounds, while also possesing incredible speed after running a 10.57 in the 100-meter dash. The defensive back has become known for his physicality on the field and willingness to sacrifice his body in order to make key plays.

The defensive back is both a physical tackler and a versatile weapon in coverage who closely emulates a former Badgers commitment.

Zachary Taylor was previously committed to Wisconsin in the 2026 class but later flipped to in-state TCU after considering the program. Taylor has a nearly identical build to Dunmore, and had been known to be a serious speed threat on the field while also being an accomplished track runner.

The two recruits are very similar and Wisconsin was heavily interested in Taylor before the commitment flip occurred. The Badgers also love what Dunmore has to offer and with options within the 2026 class dwindling down, the defensive back is likely the last chance Wisconsin has at filling the void left by Taylor.

Wisconsin Badgers: 2024 Standout DL Displaying Great Development 5 Wisconsin defensive coordinator Mike Tressel, left, talks with head coach Luke Fickell during practice Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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