When elite high school football players make their college commitments, especially when they’re being courted by powerhouse programs like Georgia and Texas, every detail of their decision is scrutinized. Derrek Cooper, a name that has been echoing throughout recruiting circles for months, finally ended the speculation when he announced his commitment to the Texas Longhorns over the Georgia Bulldogs. For some, this came as a surprise. After all, Georgia has been a two-time national champion under Kirby Smart and is consistently one of the most dominant programs in all of college football. But for Cooper, the decision was about more than prestige, national championships, or even immediate path to the NFL—it was about fit, vision, relationships, and the opportunity to be a cornerstone in something big, something transformational.
Derrek Cooper is not your average recruit. Hailing from the heart of SEC territory, he grew up watching the intensity of southern football and absorbing every ounce of competitive energy that came with it. A 6-foot-1, 205-pound dual-threat quarterback with a cannon for an arm and the agility of a seasoned slot receiver, Cooper was ranked among the top 10 quarterbacks nationally. Offers came pouring in before he even finished his sophomore season, with schools like Alabama, LSU, Ohio State, USC, Georgia, and Texas all making early pitches. But what ultimately drove his decision went far deeper than star ratings or big logos.
Cooper’s path to choosing Texas began with a vision. He has always described himself not just as a football player, but as a builder—someone who wants to leave a legacy, not merely ride the coattails of an already established machine. “Georgia’s already at the top,” Cooper said during an exclusive interview following his commitment. “They’re going to be in the playoff picture every year, and they’re stacked at every position. But when I sat down and thought about what I really wanted my college career to be like, I realized I wanted to help elevate a program to that level—not just join a team that’s already there.”
This idea resonated deeply with the Texas coaching staff, especially head coach Steve Sarkisian. Known for his quarterback whispering credentials, Sarkisian laid out a vision for Cooper that made him not just feel wanted, but essential. He wasn’t just another name in the QB room—he was the name. Sarkisian, who has helped mold Heisman-caliber quarterbacks in previous roles at Alabama and USC, emphasized development, leadership, and the opportunity to be the face of a rising program.
Texas football, while historically a blue-blood, has endured a turbulent era over the past decade. Coaching changes, underachievement, and inconsistent quarterback play have prevented the Longhorns from reaching the heights fans believe they’re destined for. But with their move to the SEC and increasing investment in infrastructure, NIL, and recruiting, Texas is knocking on the door of elite status again. Cooper wants to be the guy who kicks that door down.
In discussing his decision further, Cooper highlighted how much the environment in Austin played a role. “I took visits to both campuses, and there’s no doubt that Athens is a football town. They live and breathe Georgia football. But when I got to Austin, I saw a place that’s not just football-focused, but it’s booming in every way—tech, music, culture, everything,” Cooper said. “And the people there, man…they made me feel like family from day one. It wasn’t about rolling out the red carpet for a top recruit. It was about showing me what my life could look like there for the next three to four years, and even beyond football.”
His family played a central role in the decision too. Cooper’s parents emphasized the importance of education, support systems, and long-term success. Texas’ McCombs School of Business was a huge draw for Derrek, who’s interested in entrepreneurship and technology. While Georgia certainly offers strong academics, Cooper found that the business network and real-world internship opportunities in Austin gave him a clear edge in planning life after football. “My parents always told me to think beyond the jersey. At Texas, I can build a future while I’m building a football legacy too,” he said.
Another major point Cooper raised was his relationship with the current Texas roster. The camaraderie among the players, the energy in the locker room, and the authenticity of the guys he met on his visits helped him envision himself not just fitting in, but thriving. During a 7-on-7 weekend over the summer, Cooper threw alongside other Longhorn commits and current players, including receivers and tight ends he might soon be throwing touchdowns to in burnt orange. The chemistry was immediate.
Cooper laughed when he recalled one practice in particular. “I dropped back and threw a deep ball to [2025 Texas WR commit] Kylan Banks. He didn’t even look back until the last second, and the ball just dropped into his hands perfectly. He jogged back and said, ‘Yo, we’re gonna run this conference together.’ That hit me. I could feel the brotherhood forming already.”
On the flip side, Cooper spoke respectfully but honestly about his Georgia recruitment. “Coach Smart and the staff were amazing. I learned so much from just being around that program. It’s all business, all the time. But there’s a certain pressure that comes with going to Georgia as a quarterback. They have five-star after five-star in that room. You’re walking into a competition where you could be QB4 just because someone was ranked one slot higher than you or has one more spring practice under their belt.”
He’s not running from competition, Cooper is quick to note, but he’s looking for the right kind. “I’m not scared of fighting for a job. I’ve been doing that my whole life. But I want a real shot, not a political one. At Texas, I know I’m going to have to earn it. But I also know they’re building the team around me in a way that makes that opportunity real, not just theoretical.”
It’s also worth noting the impact of NIL in this recruitment. While Cooper didn’t go into financial specifics, he acknowledged that Texas has built an impressive infrastructure for athlete branding and business partnerships. The Longhorns’ NIL collective, the Burnt Orange Collective, has made waves with its innovative approach to helping players monetize their brands while staying compliant with NCAA regulations. “It wasn’t the deciding factor, but let’s be honest—it matters,” Cooper said. “Texas has a plan. They’re not just saying, ‘Come here and we’ll get you deals.’ They’re saying, ‘Let us show you how to build your own brand from the ground up.’ That stuck with me.”
What Cooper’s commitment really represents is a philosophical shift. This is not just a teenager making a flashy decision—it’s a calculated move based on values, relationships, opportunities, and a hunger to lead. In an era where some recruits chase rings, Cooper is chasing legacy. “At Georgia, I might have been another guy who helped win. At Texas, I can be the guy who leads the winning. There’s a difference,” he said.
Texas fans erupted with excitement when the commitment dropped. Social media flooded with edited images of Cooper in the burnt orange, fans tweeting predictions that he’d be the next Vince Young, and even former players reaching out to welcome him into the fold. This wasn’t just a get—it was a statement. One of the nation’s top quarterbacks chose potential over certainty, the path of creation over comfort, and a program on the rise over a program already established.
For Sarkisian and the Longhorn staff, Cooper’s commitment could be a program-defining moment. It sends a signal to future recruits: come be a part of something special, something that’s building. And for Cooper, the work is just beginning. He’s already talking about recruiting other blue-chip players to join him. “I’m not just trying to win games—I’m trying to win championships. I need dogs with me. So if you’re reading this and you’re thinking about Texas, hit my line. Let’s build.”
Of course, no path is guaranteed. The weight of expectations is heavy, and the spotlight on a quarterback is relentless, especially at a program trying to return to glory. Cooper knows this. He’s already mentally preparing for the scrutiny, the film sessions, the second-guessing from fans and analysts alike. “Pressure makes diamonds,” he said simply. “And I’m ready to shine.”
His high school coach, David Hatcher, believes Cooper’s mindset is exactly what will set him apart. “Derrek’s not just one of the most talented players I’ve ever coached—he’s the most prepared,” Hatcher said. “He breaks down film like a college junior. He’s a student of the game. He doesn’t get rattled. You give that kind of kid to a coach like Sarkisian, and you’ve got something special brewing.”
As signing day approaches and Cooper wraps up his high school career, all eyes will remain on the young quarterback from the Southeast who chose to plant his flag deep in the heart of Texas. His journey from a promising recruit to a potentially transformational figure in the program’s history is only just beginning. And if Cooper has anything to say about it, the story won’t just be about why he chose Texas—it’ll be about how he helped change it forever.
