LUBBOCK, TX β Texas Techβs recruiting momentum shows no signs of slowing down. The Red Raiders continue their aggressive pursuit of elite talent across the nation, and on Thursday afternoon, they took another major step forward in building their 2026 class. Three-star cornerback Donovan Price, a highly regarded defensive back from Dallas, officially announced his commitment to Texas Tech, sending a clear signal that the Red Raiders mean business on the recruiting trail and in the Big 12.
The commitment is not just a symbolic victoryβit fills a critical positional need with a prospect whose upside far exceeds his current ranking. Price, who stands at 6β1β and weighs in at 185 pounds, has been turning heads at camps across Texas with his quick hips, physical press coverage, and impressive football IQ. For Texas Techβs defensive coordinator, itβs a dream addition to a unit thatβs been steadily transforming under head coach Joey McGuireβs blueprint.
A Statement from the Lone Star State
Priceβs commitment is a statement win for the Red Raiders, especially considering the level of competition they beat out to secure him. Texas Tech fended off late pushes from Baylor, SMU, Oklahoma State, and even some SEC programs, most notably Missouri and Arkansas. Price had visited all five schools but felt most at home in Lubbock.
> βIt felt different at Tech,β Price said in a phone interview after his announcement. βIt wasnβt just about footballβtheyβve built a culture I want to be part of. Coach McGuire and Coach Bleil made me feel like Iβd be developed, challenged, and supported, all at the same time.β
He continued:
> βThe energy in Lubbock is unmatched. I see the vision. I want to help bring a championship to West Texas.β
A Fit on and off the Field
When coaches talk about finding a βfit,β they arenβt just referring to athleticism or scheme. Theyβre talking about attitude, adaptability, and ambition. Price checks every box. A standout at Duncanville High School, Price played both corner and safety during his junior year and recorded 4 interceptions, 15 pass deflections, and 42 tacklesβnumbers that caught the attention of Power Five recruiters.
What separates him, however, is his technique. At a time when many high school corners rely on raw speed or size, Price has developed an unusually refined feel for route anticipation and hand placement. Former NFL defensive back and now private DB trainer, Marcus Traylor, has worked with Price for the past two offseasons.
> βDonovanβs a sponge,β Traylor said. βYou show him once, and he gets it. Heβs got the twitch to match up with the fastest receivers and the size to handle big-bodied guys. But more than that, he wants to be coached. Thatβs rare.β
A Cornerstone for the 2026 Class
With Price on board, Texas Techβs 2026 class rises to No. 12 nationally, according to the latest 247Sports composite rankingsβa remarkable leap that underscores the effectiveness of the Red Raidersβ evolving recruiting machine.
Price becomes the fifth defensive back to commit, giving Techβs staff flexibility and depth in the secondary. He joins four-star safety Jamari Rhodes (Houston, TX), three-star nickelback Trent Wallace (El Paso, TX), and athlete Armon Lee (who projects as a safety or receiver). That group is poised to bring speed, size, and versatility to a defense thatβs steadily improved since 2022.
Coach McGuire: βThis is Just the Startβ
Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire, the architect of the Red Raidersβ transformation, was thrilled by the news. At a media availability later that day, he didnβt mince words.
> βDonovan is exactly the kind of player we want representing Texas Tech,β McGuire said. βTough, smart, relentless. Heβs got that βdawgβ in him. You canβt teach that.β
He added that landing Price was part of a broader strategy to dominate in-state recruiting and win more head-to-head battles against Big 12 foes.
> βWeβre not going to let anyone outwork us in Texas,β McGuire continued. βIf a kid grows up dreaming of playing in the Big 12 or making it to the NFL, they need to know weβve built the perfect place for both.β
Techβs Defensive Evolution
Since McGuire took over, Techβs defense has shifted from being a liability to a strength. Last season, the Red Raiders finished top 25 in pass defense efficiency and were among the national leaders in turnovers forced. Adding a player like Price, who thrives in both man and zone coverage, aligns perfectly with defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyterβs system.
> βHeβs got that sticky coverage ability,β DeRuyter said. βWe play aggressive, and Donovan fits that mindset. Heβll be able to come in and compete early, especially with his physicality and instincts.β
Analysts believe Price could find a role as a true freshman, either as a boundary corner or in nickel packages. With the Red Raiders expected to lose at least two starting defensive backs to graduation by the end of the 2025 season, Price will likely be one of the most-watched newcomers during fall camp in 2026.
Recruiting Momentum Continues
Texas Techβs surge in the 2026 cycle is drawing national attention. The Red Raiders are becoming a destination not just for under-the-radar talents but for blue-chip recruits looking for a rising program with an identity.
Several recruits have taken notice of Priceβs commitment. In fact, shortly after his announcement, four-star linebacker Miles Carrington (Pearland, TX) posted a cryptic βππ΄β«οΈβ on X (formerly Twitter), sparking speculation that he could be the next to join the movement.
Recruiting analyst Charles Power described Techβs class as βa buzzsaw,β noting that βtheyβre not just collecting namesβtheyβre building a roster that makes sense.β
> βThis isnβt a flash-in-the-pan recruiting year,β Power said. βTheyβve got a staff that evaluates extremely well and builds real relationships. Thatβs sustainable.β
Family First
For Price, the decision to commit to Texas Tech also came down to family. His parents, both educators, emphasized education and community when advising their son. Thatβs part of what drew them to Lubbock.
> βWe visited a lot of campuses,β said Donovanβs mother, Rochelle Price. βBut Texas Tech made us feel like we belonged. Itβs not just a place where heβll play footballβitβs a place where heβll grow into a man.β
That sentiment resonates deeply within the Texas Tech community, which prides itself on being more than just a sports program. With donors investing in facilities, NIL collectives providing support, and alumni returning in droves, Lubbock has become a powerhouse in every sense.
Looking Ahead
Donovan Priceβs commitment is more than a social media announcementβitβs another building block in a foundation that Texas Tech is laying with purpose. As the 2026 season approaches, Red Raider fans have every reason to believe that the future is not just bright, but elite.
With more visits planned, including several five-star prospects set to visit in July, the Red Raiders could be on the verge of something historic. If McGuire and his staff continue their current pace, Texas Tech may soon find itself in the conversation for a top-10 recruiting class nationallyβan unprecedented feat that would validate years of groundwork.
Price is just the beginning. But what a beginning it is.
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Player Bio: Donovan Price
Position: Cornerback
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 185 lbs
School: Duncanville High School (TX)
Rankings:
βββ (Three-Star)
No. 36 CB in the Nation
No. 62 Overall Player in Texas (247Sports)
Stats (2024 Season):
4 INTs
15 PBU
42 tackles
2 Forced Fumbles
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Final Word
Texas Tech fans have every reason to be excited. The addition of Donovan Price isnβt just another recruiting winβitβs a sign of a culture shift, of a rising power with real staying power. The Red Raiders arenβt asking for respect anymore. Theyβre earning it. And with players like Donovan Price leading the charge, the future in Lubbock looks more dangerous than ever.
