Donovan Criss
#179"Follower of Christ/SA Brennan HS 🐻🏀/UTEP ⛏️ 🏀Commit/IG @Djcriss2026"
UTEP
Scout Report
When a program lands the #178 recruit nationally while competing against major conference programs, they've found something special in the evaluation process.
Background
Hailing from San Antonio, Texas, Donovan Criss has developed his craft at Brennan High School in one of the state's most competitive basketball landscapes. The 6-5 small forward has thrived in a loaded Brennan program that features multiple Division I commits, including five-star point guard Kingston Flemings and fellow 2026 prospects Isaiah Ward and Talon Todd. This high-level daily competition has accelerated his development and prepared him for the college stage.
Playing Style
Criss possesses the ideal physical framework for a modern small forward at 6-5, with the versatility to impact winning in multiple ways. His court awareness and basketball IQ stand out when sharing the floor with elite-level teammates, showing an ability to complement star players rather than compete with them for touches. The San Antonio product demonstrates solid fundamentals and understands his role within team concepts, making him an attractive piece for coaches looking to build sustainable programs. His development trajectory suggests continued growth as he adds strength and refines his skill set at the college level.
Recruitment
With 14 Division I offers from programs spanning multiple conferences, Criss ultimately chose UTEP over opportunities at Arizona State, Mississippi State, Virginia Tech, and others. His commitment to the Miners represents a strong get for a program looking to establish itself in Conference USA. The versatile wing projects as a player who can contribute early while having the upside to develop into a key contributor over his four-year career.
Updated Feb 17, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team
Offers
14UTEP
Signed
Chose UTEP over 13 other offers
Arizona State
Mississippi State
Virginia Tech
North TexasSocial Activity
Miners end it with a THRILLER ⛏️ #PicksUp https://x.com/UTEPMBB/status/2020357822899204601/photo/1
This moment… very proud of this moment 🖤💛 https://x.com/Brennan_AT/status/2020233928460874154/photo/1
Officially Nominees!! Congrats Bella Flemings ( @Be22a_Flemings ) , Donovan Criss ( @donovan_criss ), Talon Todd ( @talontodd04 ), and Isaiah Ward ( @isaiah_ward42 ) Leaders of the class of 26! 🫡 Proud of y’all!! 🖤💛 https://t.co/isR2BbOjTf
WEST: @q_wadley @kadenhouse10 @IsaiahRogers21 @Josh_Irving21 @BraydenKyman34 @j0esterling @WeisGabe @dsurratt3 @_alexconstanza @Gallagher_P7 @Gav1placide @NunnTrae @donovan_criss @isaiah_ward42 @talontodd04 EAST: @AidanChronist1 @AbdouToure36 @HerlyBrutus @the_Tonibryant
Taking my 8th graders to tour their future high school means I get to reconnect with former students. So proud of these babies who are now SENIORS! Their futures are bright! 💥🎓📚@NISDBrennan @NISDBernal https://t.co/uoocGLNy2B