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Donaven McCulley
Bio
- Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
- School: Michigan
- Year: R-Senior
Measurables
- Height: 6-5
- Weight: 215
Scouting Report
Donaven McCulley is a story of timing. McCulley arrived at Indiana in 2021 as the highest-rated quarterback recruit in team history. He was set to take over the program from Michael Penix Jr.. as Indiana was peaking, coming off a 6-1 regular season and their first Top 15 season since 1967. Then, the wheels fell off. McCulley struggled at quarterback, shifting to receiver, and Tom Allen was dismissed after a 9-27 run over three years. Curt Cignetti took over in 2024, and McCulley entered the portal midseason to preserve eligibility, moving to Michigan. He watched his high school teammate, Omar Cooper Jr., and his former teammates raise a National Championship trophy from afar.
McCulley proved to be a valuable receiver for another touted quarterback, true freshman Bryce Underwood, earning opportunities in the American Bowl and the Senior Bowl. McCulley's size leaps off his tape. He rarely creates large passing windows, instead using his body to work through contested catch opportunities. He developed into a solid red-zone threat, willing to play through contact on balls in the air. While he may lack elite athleticism, the late Senior Bowl invite indicates McCulley is on the NFL radar.
Rundown
McCulley was a touted quarterback recruit expected to push Indiana into new territory. He struggled at quarterback and quickly transitioned to wide receiver, where his size is an advantage over most defensive backs.
Player Comp
Joe Webb
NFL Range of Outcomes
Practice Squad to Average Backup
For more information on Donaven McCulley and the rest of the 2026 rookie class, get our Rookie Guide today! And come back to this page after the NFL Combine and NFL Draft for updated information!
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