The Texas Longhorns just secured one of the biggest recruiting victories of the 2026 cycle with the commitment of five-star running back Derrek Cooper, the consensus No. 1 back in the country. For head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff, this commitment doesn’t just represent another elite addition—it marks a bold statement to the rest of college football: Texas is not just back; it’s building a future dynasty on the ground. Cooper’s commitment instantly elevates an already elite class and sends ripples through the recruiting landscape, especially within the SEC, where competition is fierce and every blue-chip commitment is a hard-fought battle.
Derrek Cooper has been on the national radar since his sophomore year, when he ran for over 2,000 yards and dominated every defense he faced in the state of Georgia. By the time his junior year rolled around, he had offers from nearly every powerhouse in the country: Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Michigan, LSU, and USC, to name a few. Yet, in the end, Cooper chose Texas—a move that speaks volumes about how far the Longhorns have come under Sarkisian’s leadership and the vision they’ve sold to elite prospects across the nation.
What separates Cooper from other backs in his class isn’t just his athleticism or his production—it’s the way he blends vision, power, and patience into a complete package. Scouts have compared him to former Georgia star and current NFL standout Nick Chubb, citing Cooper’s ability to churn out tough yards between the tackles while still possessing breakaway speed to take it the distance. He’s a rare type of runner who can be both a workhorse and a home-run threat, something Texas hasn’t had in full since Bijan Robinson lit up the Forty Acres and eventually became a first-round NFL Draft pick. Cooper represents a return to that level of stardom and then some.
For Texas, this commitment couldn’t have come at a better time. As the Longhorns prepare to enter year two of their SEC journey, stacking talent like Cooper is essential to not only competing with programs like Alabama and Georgia but overtaking them. Running backs like Derrek Cooper don’t just fill a need—they become offensive centerpieces, players who define game plans and turn third-and-longs into manageable downs. Cooper has the frame, explosiveness, and durability to carry the ball 20+ times a game at the college level, and his skill set is tailor-made for Sarkisian’s wide-open, power-spread offensive scheme.
Cooper’s commitment also signals a continuation of Texas’ ability to recruit outside of its home state. While the Longhorns have always dominated in Texas, pulling the No. 1 running back out of Georgia—a state with deep SEC roots—is a seismic recruiting victory. This not only weakens a regional rival like Georgia but reinforces the idea that Texas is now a national recruiting force. The Longhorns aren’t just building with local prospects; they’re cherry-picking the very best players from across the country, and Cooper is the latest jewel in that crown.
Much of this success traces back to the culture Sarkisian and his staff have cultivated in Austin. Since taking over, Sarkisian has emphasized development, family atmosphere, and a clear path to the NFL. Players see that the staff has a plan for them, that the program is winning again, and that Texas is no longer just a hype machine—it’s a serious contender with tangible results. Cooper cited these exact reasons in interviews following his commitment, noting that the staff’s transparency and his connection with Texas running backs coach Tashard Choice made all the difference.
Choice, in particular, deserves immense credit. One of the top recruiters and developers of running back talent in the country, he’s been instrumental in identifying and landing top backs like Cedric Baxter and now Cooper. His NFL background, hands-on coaching style, and credibility with parents and players alike has helped make Texas an elite destination for running backs once again. With Cooper on board, the Longhorns are poised to continue their legacy of dominant backs, dating back to legends like Ricky Williams, Cedric Benson, and Jamaal Charles.
Cooper’s decision also impacts the rest of Texas’ 2026 class in meaningful ways. His commitment is expected to spark momentum among other top offensive skill players, particularly wide receivers and quarterbacks who want to play alongside elite talent. Already, several four-star wideouts and a five-star quarterback have hinted on social media that they’re strongly considering Texas, and Cooper’s decision only strengthens the Longhorns’ pitch. When one of the nation’s best skill players commits early, it often creates a domino effect—and Texas is counting on that in the months ahead.
In today’s college football world, landing a player like Cooper isn’t just about recruiting battles. It also involves navigating NIL, development paths, and early playing time promises. Texas checked every box in that regard. With NIL infrastructure in place through the Horns With Heart initiative and other collectives, Texas can offer top-tier financial opportunities to players while still emphasizing development and legacy. Cooper won’t be coming to Austin just for short-term success; he’s positioning himself for a career that could stretch all the way to the NFL, and Texas has built the roadmap to get him there.
The timing of Cooper’s commitment also gives Texas a boost in national rankings. With his addition, the Longhorns are projected to move into the top five of the 2026 recruiting class rankings, potentially even higher depending on upcoming commitments. That’s the kind of momentum that excites fans, boosts booster support, and strengthens the program’s national perception. It also gives Texas ammunition in battles against rival programs like Texas A\&M, Oklahoma, and LSU, all of whom are actively recruiting many of the same targets.
What makes Cooper unique off the field is his maturity and leadership. Coaches have often described him as a “culture guy,” someone who leads by example and brings others along with him. In camps, he’s often seen mentoring younger backs and encouraging teammates. That kind of personality will fit in perfectly in a Texas locker room that emphasizes accountability and togetherness. Cooper isn’t coming to Austin to be flashy—he’s coming to win, and his demeanor reflects that.
Looking ahead, there’s every reason to believe Cooper will have a chance to make an immediate impact once he gets to campus. Texas has solid depth at running back, but Cooper’s talent is the kind that forces early playing time. He’ll likely enroll early, participate in spring practices, and compete for snaps as a true freshman. Based on his size, skill set, and football IQ, he could easily find himself on the field in 2026, giving Texas a dynamic backfield threat from the moment he steps foot on the field.
His high school coaches rave about his work ethic—arriving early, staying late, studying film—and that bodes well for his transition to the college level. The jump from high school to SEC football is massive, but Cooper appears uniquely built to handle it. He’s not just another five-star talent—he’s a player whose mindset, preparation, and passion for the game are as elite as his 40-yard dash time or his touchdown totals.
The Longhorns fanbase, already energized by last season’s College Football Playoff run, now has even more reason to believe that the program’s best days are ahead. Derrek Cooper’s commitment doesn’t guarantee championships, but it does bring Texas one step closer to building a roster capable of winning them. The 2026 class, headlined by the No. 1 running back in the nation, will be remembered as a turning point if the Longhorns reach the mountaintop in the years ahead.
In the high-stakes world of college football recruiting, securing a player of Cooper’s caliber is like hitting the jackpot. Texas didn’t just get faster or stronger with this commitment—they got smarter, tougher, and closer to championship-caliber depth. Derrek Cooper is the kind of prospect who can change the trajectory of a program, and now, he’s all in on Texas. The Forty Acres just got a whole lot more dangerous.
