Nation’s No. 1 RB Derrek Cooper Narrows Final 5 Schools Ahead Commitment

Derrek Cooper, the top running back prospect of the 2026 class, has narrowed his college choices to five schools: Texas, Ohio State, Florida State, Georgia, and Miami, with his commitment scheduled for July 20. Cooper, a 6-foot-1, 205-pound athlete from Chaminade-Madonna in Florida, boasts impressive stats including 905 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior, along with notable defensive contributions, making him a versatile and highly sought-after recruit. Despite not taking an official visit to Texas, Cooper included the Longhorns in his final five after a promising unofficial visit and Texas's persistent recruiting efforts, particularly following the loss of other running back targets. Cooper's recruitment has been tightly contested, with Georgia and Miami also considered strong suitors, and his decision is expected to be closely watched given his rare combination of power, speed, and pass-catching ability. His recruitment journey included numerous official visits to top programs such as Alabama, Auburn, Miami, Georgia, Florida State, and Ohio State, highlighting the widespread interest in his talents. The decision to delay his commitment from an earlier July date may signal a growing momentum for Texas, making this a pivotal moment in one of the nation's premier recruiting battles.