Five-star running back Derrek Cooper, one of Ohio State’s top recruiting targets, has announced he will make his college commitment on July 12.
Five-star running back Derrek Cooper has become one of the most sought-after prospects in the 2025 recruiting class, and his decision is fast approaching. With a commitment date now officially set for July 12, programs across the country are holding their breath, but none more than the Ohio State Buckeyes. Cooper, a dynamic and explosive talent, has long been at the top of Ohio State’s recruiting board. His combination of vision, speed, agility, and physicality makes him the kind of player who could instantly transform a backfield at the collegiate level. And for a school like Ohio State, which prides itself on developing elite running backs and maintaining one of the most balanced and high-powered offenses in the nation, securing Cooper’s commitment would be both a major win and a significant statement.
Recruiting battles in college football are never simple, especially when it comes to players like Cooper. Hailing from the heart of SEC territory, Cooper has drawn the attention of powerhouse programs from every major conference. Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Texas have all made strong pushes. But throughout the process, Ohio State has remained one of the most consistent and aggressive suitors. They’ve built a strong relationship with Cooper and his family, hosted him for multiple visits, and made it clear he would be a centerpiece of their future offensive plans. In an era where name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities and early playing time weigh heavily on the minds of top recruits, Ohio State has positioned itself as a program that can offer both, along with national exposure, championship contention, and a track record of sending running backs to the NFL.
What makes Cooper such a coveted talent isn’t just his ranking—though being a consensus five-star and one of the top overall players in the country certainly garners attention. It’s the way he impacts games from start to finish. At 6’0″, 205 pounds, he brings the physical presence needed to run between the tackles, but he also possesses breakaway speed that allows him to hit the home run every time he touches the ball. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield only adds to his versatility, making him a perfect fit for modern offenses that ask more of their running backs than just carrying the ball. Cooper isn’t just a running back—he’s an every-down weapon.
Ohio State’s pursuit of Cooper has been relentless and strategic. Head coach Ryan Day and running backs coach Tony Alford have made it a priority to connect with Cooper on a personal level, showing not just what the program can offer in terms of football but what life in Columbus could look like. From elite training facilities to academic support to community involvement, they’ve painted a full picture of what being a Buckeye entails. For Cooper, who has repeatedly emphasized the importance of development and long-term goals, that’s a major factor. He’s not looking for just a temporary spotlight; he wants a platform to grow and excel.
Cooper’s recruitment has also come at a time when Ohio State is looking to solidify its offensive identity for the next generation. With star quarterbacks and receivers continuing to pass through the program at a high rate, adding a back like Cooper would ensure the Buckeyes maintain balance. Recent years have seen Ohio State produce top-tier talent like J.K. Dobbins and TreVeyon Henderson, and Cooper has the potential to follow in those footsteps—or even surpass them. His game tape has shown flashes of dominance rarely seen at the high school level, often drawing comparisons to former greats who went on to successful NFL careers.
But this recruitment is about more than just one player—it’s about momentum and message. If Ohio State can land Cooper, it sends a loud signal to the rest of the college football world: the Buckeyes are still a recruiting force to be reckoned with. They’re not ceding ground to southern programs, not letting geography dictate where the best players go. They’re winning battles in hostile territory, bringing elite athletes to the Big Ten, and reinforcing their position as a top-tier destination for future pros. It also helps reinforce their recruiting presence in key regions, especially the Southeast, where many top players emerge each cycle.
Cooper’s decision will come just weeks before the summer recruiting calendar starts to slow down, giving the program a critical boost heading into fall camp. If he picks the Buckeyes, it could trigger a domino effect, encouraging other undecided prospects to follow suit. Players talk to one another constantly, and when a five-star back chooses a school, it creates buzz and intrigue. Prospects on the fence about Ohio State might be swayed by Cooper’s belief in the program, especially if they see a shared vision and opportunity to build something special together.
The timing of his announcement also coincides with a period of transition and excitement around Ohio State football. With new players stepping into leadership roles, younger talent emerging, and coaching staff working to fine-tune strategies, the addition of Cooper would represent not just a win in recruiting but a tangible step toward future dominance. He would join a loaded class already filled with elite talent, strengthening the foundation for what could become another championship run in the coming years.
From Cooper’s perspective, the decision is obviously more personal. He’s evaluating programs not just based on football, but on family feel, cultural fit, and long-term vision. The schools in contention have each pitched their case with varying degrees of intensity. Some offer proximity to home, others offer immediate playing time. NIL packages vary, but so do the personalities and priorities of each coaching staff. Cooper has taken official visits, asked tough questions, and leaned heavily on those close to him. His family has played a major role in the process, emphasizing education, support systems, and a sense of purpose.
That’s where Ohio State may hold an advantage. More than once, Cooper has publicly praised the transparency of the Buckeyes’ coaching staff and the genuine way they’ve handled the recruitment. He’s mentioned how they’ve focused not just on what he can do for them, but what they can do for him—as a player, a student, and a young man growing into adulthood. That approach has resonated. It’s no longer just about the biggest stadium or the flashiest uniforms—it’s about authenticity, preparation, and trust.
Still, until July 12 arrives and Cooper makes his choice official, nothing is guaranteed. Recruiting is fluid, and last-minute shifts are always possible. A single visit, a heartfelt pitch, or a change in plans can sway even the most locked-in prospect. That’s why Ohio State is continuing to push hard, making sure every box is checked and every angle is covered. They know what’s at stake and what Cooper’s commitment could mean. And they’re not the only ones—fans, analysts, and rival coaches are watching closely, aware that this recruitment could shape not just one team’s backfield but the competitive landscape of college football.
As the countdown to Cooper’s announcement continues, excitement builds. Every cryptic social media post, every analyst prediction, every rumor sends ripples through fan bases and message boards. That’s the power of recruiting in today’s college football world. It’s not just about games in the fall—it’s about moments like this in the summer, when the future gets written by a teenager with a dream and a decision.
Derrek Cooper has the talent to be a program-changer. He’s the kind of player that alters expectations, elevates teammates, and becomes the face of an era. For Ohio State, landing him would be a triumph—a validation of their recruiting philosophy, their coaching approach, and their place among college football’s elite. For Cooper, choosing the right school means stepping onto a path that could lead to stardom, legacy, and greatness. On July 12, the waiting ends, and the journey begins.
