Auburn Hosts Highly-Rated RB Duo for Official Visits

Auburn University recently hosted two of the nation’s top running back prospects—Derrek Cooper and Jae Lamar—for official visits, signaling a significant push by head coach Hugh Freeze and his staff to bolster the Tigers’ backfield. This recruiting effort aims to rejuvenate Auburn’s storied tradition of elite running back duos, reminiscent of the legendary pairing of Ronnie Brown and Cadillac Williams.

Derrek Cooper: The Nation’s Top Running Back

Derrek Cooper, a five-star recruit from Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Hollywood, Florida, is widely regarded as the top running back in the 2026 class. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 200 pounds, Cooper showcased his versatility during his junior season by rushing for 905 yards and 13 touchdowns, while also contributing 46 tackles and four sacks on defense. His performance was instrumental in leading his team to a Florida 1A State Championship .

Cooper’s recruitment has been highly competitive, with official visits scheduled to Miami (May 30), Alabama (June 6), Georgia (June 13), Florida State (June 15), Penn State (June 17), and Ohio State (June 20) . Despite the array of options, Auburn’s coaching staff has made a strong impression. Cooper noted the passion and energy of running backs coach Derrick Nix, stating, “Coach Nix is a great coach. I can see in his eyes that he loves the game, he loves passion. It’d be great to learn from a coach like that” .

Additionally, Cooper’s connection to Auburn is deepened by his relationship with former Tigers running back Shaun Shivers, who coached him at Chaminade-Madonna and speaks highly of the Auburn program .

Jae Lamar: Georgia’s Premier Running Back Prospect

Joining Cooper on the visit was Jae Lamar, a four-star running back from Colquitt County High School in Moultrie, Georgia. Lamar is ranked as the fourth-best running back in the country and the 14th-best overall recruit in Georgia. During his junior season, he averaged 7.9 yards per carry, amassing 885 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns .

Lamar’s recruitment is equally competitive, with official visits planned to Clemson (May 30), Florida State (June 6), Miami (June 13), and Georgia (June 20) . Auburn’s ability to secure a visit from Lamar underscores the program’s renewed vigor in attracting top-tier talent under Coach Freeze’s leadership.

The Significance of the Duo’s Visit

Hosting both Cooper and Lamar simultaneously is a strategic move by Auburn, aiming to recreate the dynamic backfield combinations that have historically propelled the Tigers to success. The presence of these two elite prospects on campus not only highlights Auburn’s recruiting ambitions but also reflects the program’s commitment to returning to national prominence.

During their visit, Cooper and Lamar had the opportunity to bond, with Cooper noting, “It was great. He’s real cool. He’s from Georgia, I’ve been keeping an eye on a lot of backs. It was good to meet him and bond with him” . Such camaraderie could play a pivotal role in their recruitment decisions, potentially leading to a formidable partnership in Auburn’s backfield.

Auburn’s Recruiting Momentum

The Tigers’ pursuit of Cooper and Lamar is part of a broader strategy to revitalize the program’s talent pool. As of May 18, Auburn has secured seven commitments for the class of 2026, though none are running backs . Landing either Cooper or Lamar would not only fill a critical positional need but also serve as a statement of intent to the college football landscape.

Auburn’s coaching staff, particularly Coach Freeze and Coach Nix, have emphasized the importance of early playing opportunities and player development in their recruitment pitches. Cooper, for instance, expressed a desire to play early and be part of a program that values tradition and provides a pathway to the next level .

Looking Ahead

Both Cooper and Lamar are expected to make their college decisions later this summer, following their series of official visits. Auburn’s ability to make a lasting impression during their time on campus could be instrumental in swaying their choices. The potential addition of these two elite running backs would not only enhance the Tigers’ roster but also signal a resurgence of Auburn’s prominence in college football recruiting.

As the recruitment process unfolds, Auburn fans and the broader college football community will be closely monitoring the decisions of Cooper and Lamar, hopeful that the Tigers can secure commitments from both and usher in a new era of backfield dominance on the Plains.