I don't follow recruiting, but saw some highlights on Derrek Cooper a few months ago and he looks pretty formidable. The posts look pretty current. Did he de-commit or something? Too young? Is this guy gonna be here next year or what? Check out his highlights...
The Texas Longhorns secured a commitment from Derrek Cooper, ESPN's No. 1 running back in the 2026 class, in July 2025, a major coup for Coach Sarkisian's staff, who later added local standout Jett Walker, a flipped commitment from Minnesota, to form a powerful 2026 backfield duo, notes ESPN, 247Sports, and USA Today. Cooper, a versatile, big-play threat from Florida, chose Texas over top programs, while Walker brings local talent and impressive high school stats, giving Texas two highly-touted backs for their future.
Derrek Cooper (Class of 2026)
Status: ESPN's No. 1 RB and a top-30 national recruit.
From: Chaminade-Madonna Prep, Hollywood, Florida.
Key Factors: Running Back Coach Chad Scott, Sarkisian's vision for an all-purpose role, and comparisons to Bijan Robinson.
Why He Chose Texas: Over Miami, Georgia, Ohio State, and Florida State.
This video discusses why Derrek Cooper chose the Texas Longhorns:
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