The recruitment of Derrek Cooper wasn't just another blue-chip sweepstakes. It was a heavyweight fight between the biggest brands in college football. When you're talking about a kid from Chaminade-Madonna Prep who can legitimately play three positions at an All-American level, people notice. Coaches don’t just send mail; they practically move into the neighborhood.
Texas won. That’s the short version.
But the long version? It’s a fascinating look at how Steve Sarkisian is building a pipeline from South Florida to Austin that most SEC schools would kill for. Cooper, the top-rated running back in the derrek cooper 2026 recruiting cycle according to multiple services, shut things down in July 2025, choosing the Longhorns over a "who's who" of finalists including Miami, Georgia, Florida State, and Ohio State. He officially signed his letter of intent in December 2025, cementing himself as the crown jewel of a Texas class that looks like a video game roster.
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The Talent That Set the 2026 Class on Fire
Cooper is a freak. There’s really no other way to put it. At 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, he has the frame of a modern NFL back, but he moves like a track star. Because he is one. He’s clocked a 10.7 in the 100-meter dash, which, for a guy his size, is terrifying for a high school safety to see coming downhill.
Most recruits specialize. Cooper didn't.
During his junior year at Chaminade-Madonna, he was basically a cheat code. He put up 905 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on just 124 carries. That’s over seven yards every time he touched the ball. But then he’d turn around and play linebacker or safety, racking up 46 tackles and four sacks. He even blocked two punts. He’s the kind of athlete who makes you wonder if he’s actually human or just a lab-grown football player.
His senior year was even louder. He exploded for 1,597 yards and 19 touchdowns. He wasn't just "good." He was the Nat Moore Trophy winner, an award given to the absolute best player in South Florida. Names like Dalvin Cook and Duke Johnson are on that trophy. Cooper belongs in that conversation.
Why Texas? The "RBU" Factor
A lot of people thought he’d stay home. Miami was pushing hard. Mario Cristobal is known for keeping local talent in "The U," and for a while, the 247Sports Crystal Ball was leaning heavily toward the Hurricanes. Then there was Georgia. Cooper actually committed to the Bulldogs for a hot second back in 2024 before backing off to re-evaluate.
So, how did Sarkisian pull him to Austin?
- The Bijan Robinson Blueprint: Cooper’s dad mentioned that the Texas staff compared Derrek to Bijan. They don't just want him to run between the tackles; they want him lining up in the slot, catching passes, and being a matchup nightmare.
- The "RBU" Tag: Cooper himself pointed to the fact that Texas has put five backs in the NFL in just three years. For a kid with professional aspirations, that’s a loud selling point.
- The Florida Pipeline: He isn't going alone. Texas has been raiding Florida lately, landing five-star QB Dia Bell and defensive lineman James Johnson. Having familiar faces in the locker room makes that 1,100-mile move a lot easier.
Breaking Down the Derrek Cooper 2026 Recruiting Impact
When a guy like Cooper signs, it changes the gravity of the entire program. Texas struggled a bit in the 2026 running back market early on. They lost out on guys like KJ Edwards and Ezavier Crowell. People were starting to whisper. Then Cooper happened.
Honestly, the "athlete" tag is almost a disservice to him. While some scouts think he could be an elite linebacker—a "speed-and-space" defender who can erase tight ends—Texas recruited him as a bell-cow back.
His vision is what separates him. He doesn't just run fast; he anticipates where the hole is going to be two steps before it opens. He hits the gap with an urgency that you usually only see on Sundays. And if he gets into the secondary? Forget it. You aren't catching him.
The Competition He Left Behind
It’s worth noting who Texas beat. This wasn't a "default" win.
- Miami: They fought until the literal last hour. They had the geographical advantage, but the lure of Sarkisian’s offense was too much.
- Georgia: Kirby Smart rarely loses a guy he wants, especially one who was once committed to him.
- Ohio State: The Buckeyes made a late push, hosting him for an official visit in June 2025.
Cooper took his visit to Austin in April for the spring game and didn't even need an official visit to make up his mind. He saw the culture, he saw the BBQ (he famously gave a shout-out to Terry Black’s BBQ when he committed), and he saw his future.
Scouting Report: What Texas is Getting
If you're a Longhorns fan, you should be excited about his contact balance. Cooper doesn't go down easy. He uses a low center of gravity to bounce off arm tackles, and his core strength allows him to keep churning for those "gotta-have-it" yards.
He’s a natural pass-catcher, too. In the modern game, if a running back can’t catch, he’s a liability. Cooper looks as comfortable running a wheel route as he does a power-O.
Is there a downside? Maybe position ambiguity. Some wondered if he’d get bored on one side of the ball. But he’s fully bought into the "RBU" vision. He wants the rock.
What Happens Next for Cooper and the Longhorns?
Now that the ink is dry and the 2026 class is finalized, the focus shifts to early enrollment. Cooper is expected to be on campus early to participate in spring ball.
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Texas has a deep room with CJ Baxter and Jerrick Gibson, but talent like Cooper's doesn't sit on the bench for long. Expect him to carve out a role on special teams immediately, with a steady diet of carries by mid-season.
If you want to track his progress, keep an eye on his weight room numbers this spring. If he hits the 215-220 pound range without losing that 10.7 speed, the rest of the SEC is in big trouble.
Actionable Insights for Following the 2026 Class:
- Watch the Spring Game: This will be the first time Cooper suits up in burnt orange. Look for how they use him in the passing game.
- Monitor the Depth Chart: With the transfer portal always active, see if any veteran backs depart, opening an even wider door for Cooper to start early.
- Follow Chaminade-Madonna Alumni: This school is a factory. Seeing how Cooper's former teammates perform at the college level usually gives a good indicator of how well-prepared "Lions" are for the jump to high-level FBS football.
The derrek cooper 2026 recruiting saga is officially over, but the Derrek Cooper era in Austin is just getting started. It’s going to be a fun ride.