Recruiting Outlook: 5-Star Commit RB Derrek Cooper has Star Potential

The Texas Longhorns have landed a major commitment from Derrek Cooper, the No. 2 ranked running back in the 2026 class. At 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, Cooper chose Texas over a powerhouse list of finalists that included Florida State, Georgia, Ohio State, and Miami. His decision marks a significant recruiting win for Steve Sarkisian and his staff as they continue building a championship-caliber roster for life in the SEC.

Explosive Athletic Profile

Cooper possesses a rare blend of size, power, and speed. His compact frame and muscular build allow him to run with physicality and absorb contact without losing momentum. He operates with excellent pad level and body control, allowing him to consistently finish runs through defenders. At 210 pounds, he is already built to handle a full workload at the collegiate level, yet he retains the quickness and acceleration to be a home-run threat every time he touches the football.

Running Style and Vision

Cooper runs with tempo, purpose, and decisiveness. He shows excellent vision through the hole and a strong sense of timing, allowing him to capitalize on tight creases. What sets him apart is his ability to combine urgency with patience and he can press the line of scrimmage quickly but has the discipline to allow blocks to develop. Once in space, he demonstrates the ability to break tackles and extend plays, with a natural feel for contact balance and leverage. His finishing ability and toughness make him a reliable option in short-yardage and red-zone situations.

Versatility as a Playmaker

Cooper is not limited to the run game. He is a proven weapon as a pass catcher out of the backfield, showing soft hands, smooth route-running ability, and the instincts to turn short completions into explosive gains. He excels on screen plays, swing passes, and wheel routes, which are tools that make him a true three-down back at the next level. His comfort operating in space and his ability to separate from linebackers in coverage will be an asset in Texas’ offensive system, which values versatility and spacing.

Defensive Traits and Two-Way Impact

An elite athlete on both sides of the ball, Cooper has also made a name for himself defensively. He plays under control with a high football IQ and physicality that translates across all phases of the game. Cooper is a sure tackler with a knack for closing space quickly and finishing plays. As a blitzer, he shows the ability to get home and create pressure, which are traits that speak to his instincts and explosiveness. In coverage, he displays confidence in both man and zone concepts, displaying his rare athletic makeup and positional flexibility.

Outlook at Texas

Cooper projects as an immediate contributor in the Texas backfield and has long-term upside to develop into a featured offensive weapon. His ability to impact the game as a runner, receiver, and potential special teams contributor makes him one of the most valuable and versatile prospects in the country. He fits seamlessly into Steve Sarkisian’s offensive system, which emphasizes matchup advantages and dynamic playmakers in space.

With the addition of Derrek Cooper, Texas not only secures one of the top offensive talents in the 2026 class but also sends a clear message on the recruiting trail: the Longhorns are continuing to stack elite-level athletes capable of thriving in the SEC and competing on the national stage.