The Wisconsin Badgers continue to build out their 2026 recruiting class with the addition of three-star cornerback Donovan Dunmore, who officially signed with the program on Wednesday. And while he may not have been the highest-rated name on the board nationally, Dunmore’s commitment is a significant pickup for a Wisconsin secondary that needed reinforcements-and fast.
Standing at 6-foot, 185 pounds, Dunmore brings a blend of size and speed that jumps off the tape. He was originally committed to Oregon State over the summer, but his recruitment heated up this fall.
Wisconsin turned up the pressure, hosted him for an official visit in September, and didn’t let up. That visit sealed the deal, and Dunmore flipped his commitment shortly after.
This is a strategic win for the Badgers, who had missed on several cornerback targets earlier in the cycle. With Dunmore now in the fold alongside fellow three-star Carsen Eloms, Wisconsin has addressed a key position of need heading into the future.
What makes Dunmore particularly intriguing is his track background. He’s clocked a 10.57 in the 100-meter and a 21.47 in the 200-meter-elite times that translate directly to the kind of recovery speed and closing burst coaches covet in a modern cornerback.
That kind of athleticism doesn’t just show up in the box score-it shows up when a corner has to flip his hips and chase down a receiver in space. Wisconsin’s staff clearly saw that potential and made him a priority target as the fall evaluations wrapped up.
Dunmore becomes the 10th player to sign in Wisconsin’s 2026 class, joining a group that’s starting to take real shape across all three phases of the game. On defense, he’s part of a unit that includes fellow corner Eloms, defensive linemen Arthur Scott and Djidjou Bah, linebacker Ben Wenzel, and edge rusher Yahya Gaad. On the offensive side, the Badgers have added running back Qwantavius Wiggins, wide receivers Keeyshawn Tabuteau and Zion Legree, and offensive lineman Brady Bekkenhuis.
With Dunmore now officially on board, Wisconsin’s defensive backfield has a much-needed boost of speed and upside. He’s not just a fill-in body-he’s a player with the tools to develop into a difference-maker. And for a program that prides itself on physical, disciplined defense, adding a corner who can run with anyone and isn’t afraid to compete is a big step in the right direction.