Congratulations are pouring in from every corner of the college football universe as the University of Texas just secured what may be their most significant recruiting win of the decade. In a move that has sent shockwaves reverberating throughout the national landscape, elite 5-star running back Derrek Cooper from the Class of 2026 has officially committed to the Longhorns. For Texas fans, this isn’t just a moment to celebrate — it’s a potential turning point for the entire program. For the rest of the college football world, it’s a loud and clear reminder that Texas is not only back in the conversation — they’re making a case for dominance.
Derrek Cooper isn’t just any 5-star recruit. He’s the kind of once-in-a-generation back that recruiters drool over and defensive coordinators lose sleep thinking about. Hailing from Valdosta, Georgia — a city that has produced more than its fair share of gridiron legends — Cooper has been a national name since his sophomore year. At 6-foot-1, 215 pounds with blazing 4.37 speed and a rare ability to cut on a dime, Cooper has drawn comparisons to NFL stars like Nick Chubb and Saquon Barkley. But what makes him special isn’t just his athletic gifts. It’s his football IQ, his character, and his relentless drive to be the best every time he steps on the field. That combination has made him a top target for virtually every major program in the country, from Georgia and Alabama to USC and Michigan. And yet, it’s Texas that ultimately won him over.
For Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff, this commitment represents more than just another blue-chip signing. It’s the culmination of years of relationship-building, strategic recruitment, and vision selling. Sarkisian has made no secret of his desire to return the Longhorns to national prominence, and Cooper represents both a foundational piece and a potential crown jewel. Getting a player of Cooper’s caliber isn’t just a feather in the cap — it’s a recruiting coup that could reshape the direction of the entire Texas football program.
The commitment also signals Texas’s rising power in the ever-intensifying NIL era. While the exact details of Cooper’s NIL arrangement haven’t been disclosed, there’s no denying that the Longhorns’ collective has stepped up in a major way to compete with the likes of Alabama and Georgia — programs that have long held sway over elite southern talent. For Texas to go into SEC territory and pull out a top-tier recruit like Cooper is a massive statement of intent. It’s not just about facilities and tradition anymore. It’s about vision, relationships, culture, and being able to show a clear path to the NFL. Texas checked every box.
What’s particularly impressive about Cooper’s commitment is the maturity with which he approached the process. Unlike many recruits who lean heavily on social media or play the waiting game for more offers and leverage, Cooper kept a low profile and handled his recruitment with poise. He visited multiple schools quietly, did his homework on academics and player development, and listened to what each coaching staff had to offer. In the end, it was Texas’s consistency and transparency that won out. Cooper reportedly formed a close bond with running backs coach Tashard Choice, whose NFL experience and coaching prowess have made him one of the most respected position coaches in college football.
From a football standpoint, Cooper is a game-changer in every sense. He’s a three-down back who can run between the tackles, bounce to the outside, and catch passes out of the backfield. He’s the kind of back that can carry a team on his shoulders when necessary, but who also has the vision and patience to wait for his blocks to develop. His ability to create yards after contact is already elite for a high school player, and his footwork is downright surgical. Add to that his top-end speed, and you have a player who can break open a game on any given snap. For Texas, who will be moving into their full SEC schedule in 2026, Cooper provides a critical weapon in a conference where running the ball still wins championships.
But beyond the on-field impact, Cooper’s commitment is a cultural moment for the Texas program. It sends a message to other elite recruits — especially those in SEC country — that Austin is a destination worth serious consideration. The Longhorns are building something special, and players like Cooper are the foundation. Already, there are rumblings that other 2026 stars may follow Cooper’s lead. Wide receiver Chase Matthews, another 5-star prospect from Florida, was quick to post congratulations to Cooper and has now scheduled an official visit to Texas. Defensive end Marcus Griggs, a top-10 player in the class, has likewise included Texas in his final list — a move he credits partly to Cooper’s influence.
