The Longhorns got their guy. The No.2-ranked running back in the 2026 recruiting class, Derrek Cooper, has officially pledged his commitment to the University of Texas football program.
New running backs coach Chad Scott has been hot on the trail of Derrek Cooper since the day he was hired back in February, and the team has turned up the heat over the past few weeks. A once-predicted Georgia "lock", Cooper has been reportedly leaning towards Texas ever since the Bulldogs gained a commitment from 4-star RB Jae Lamar on 6/25.
BREAKING: Elite 2026 RB Derrek Cooper has Committed to Texas, he tells me for @rivals
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) July 20, 2025
The 6’2 210 RB from Fort Lauderdale, FL chose the Longhorns over Miami & Georgia
He’s ranked as the No. 2 RB in the ‘26 Class
“Terry blacks I’m on my way!”https://t.co/99qeVUfHrm pic.twitter.com/z37EOSD89Q
At a solid 6'1", 205 pounds, Cooper is exactly the type of workhorse back that the Longhorns have been wanting to add in 2026. With Quintrevion Wisner possibly heading to the NFL following the 2025 season, and C.J. Baxter's health issues as the team's "power" back, it's easy to see why adding a player like Cooper was a priority for Steve Sarkisian and Co. Though he's a fairly good all-around back, where he shines is inside between the tackles.
His powerful lower body enables him to keep his legs churning through initial contact, often resulting in an unusually high rate of yards after contact for the prep level. He's an incredibly strong runner in most aspects on tape, and it's easy to see why he averaged an absurd 9.3 yards per carry as a Junior in 2024.
Cooper's commitment is an impactful one for Texas and it could go a long way in swaying some future targets in the Longhorns' direction.