Five-star running back Derrek Cooper, one of Ohio State’s top recruiting priorities, has officially set his commitment date for July 12.
Derrek Cooper’s name has been circulating throughout the college football recruiting world for quite some time, and with good reason. The five-star running back from the 2025 class has established himself as one of the most complete, explosive, and dynamic ball carriers in the country. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing in around 205 pounds, Cooper brings a rare combination of power, speed, and vision to the backfield, making him a coveted prospect for virtually every elite program in America. As his recruitment has taken shape over the past year, it’s become increasingly clear that Ohio State has emerged as a front-runner for his commitment. Now, after months of visits, evaluations, and deliberation, Cooper has set July 12 as the date he will announce where he will be playing his college football.
Cooper’s recruitment has been a high-profile saga with national programs vying for his services, but few schools have been as consistently involved and aggressive in their pursuit as the Buckeyes. From the beginning, Ohio State identified Cooper as a cornerstone-type player for its 2025 class. The coaching staff has treated him as a top priority, and their persistence and attention appear to have resonated with Cooper and his family.
Ohio State’s appeal goes beyond just football success. For Cooper, the Buckeyes offer a full package: a storied program with a rich tradition at the running back position, a coaching staff with a proven track record of developing NFL talent, and a fanbase that treats its stars like legends. All of those factors, combined with the relationships he has built on campus, have made Columbus a comfortable and appealing option. The presence of running backs coach Tony Alford, who has coached multiple high draft picks and is known for his player-first approach, has also played a huge role in Ohio State’s pursuit. Though Alford left for Michigan earlier in the year, the Buckeyes’ staff has worked overtime to maintain that connection and keep Cooper at the top of their board.
On the field, Cooper is as complete a running back as you’ll find in the high school ranks. His acceleration through holes is lightning-quick, and once he hits the second level, he’s difficult to catch. He runs with a low pad level and elite balance, making it hard for defenders to bring him down with arm tackles. What separates Cooper even further is his ability to catch passes out of the backfield, something that will be vital in any modern college offense. Whether he’s running between the tackles, bouncing a play outside, or lining up in the slot, Cooper’s versatility is one of the most valuable aspects of his game.
His high school career has been nothing short of dominant. As a junior, he rushed for over 2,000 yards and scored 30 touchdowns, often sitting out portions of games because his team was so far ahead. His ability to control the tempo of a game, keep the chains moving, and break off chunk plays at any moment makes him the kind of running back that changes the complexion of an entire offense. He’s the kind of player that future quarterbacks want beside them in the backfield, and he commands defensive attention every time he touches the ball. That’s why his commitment decision has drawn national interest and why July 12 is now a date that Ohio State fans and fans of other top programs are circling on the calendar.
Cooper’s top schools have included not only Ohio State, but also programs like Georgia, Alabama, Michigan, and Texas. Each school offers something unique, and each has made a compelling case. Georgia, with its reputation as Running Back U and a defense-first identity, has been very much in the mix. Alabama’s tradition, as well as its history of producing NFL talent, is something every elite prospect has to consider. Texas has been rising in national prominence and can offer early playing time. And Michigan, Ohio State’s biggest rival, has made a strong push, especially after flipping coach Tony Alford. But through it all, Ohio State has remained firmly entrenched in Cooper’s top tier.
The timing of his decision is also interesting. With a mid-July commitment, Cooper is giving himself a few more weeks to finish up his final visits and get clarity on where he feels most at home. He’s been meticulous in his approach, never rushing into anything and taking his time to build genuine relationships with coaches, players, and support staffs. That maturity and thoughtfulness are traits that have impressed evaluators, scouts, and college coaches alike.
Recruiting experts believe that Ohio State is currently in a strong position, but nothing is guaranteed in high-stakes recruiting battles, especially with a player of Cooper’s caliber. Momentum can swing quickly. A big official visit, a strong NIL pitch, or a personal connection could tilt things in another school’s favor. That’s why every phone call, every text, and every interaction matters between now and July 12. Programs know they’re in the final stretch, and now it’s about execution and closing.
If Cooper does choose Ohio State, the impact on their 2025 recruiting class would be monumental. Adding a five-star running back of his caliber would not only elevate the offensive ceiling for years to come, but it could also help attract other elite talent. Skill players want to play with other stars. Quarterbacks want dependable weapons. Wide receivers want space created by a dangerous run game. And offensive linemen want to block for a back who can turn a good block into a touchdown. Cooper’s commitment would send a message to the rest of the country: Ohio State is still one of the premier destinations for elite offensive talent.
More than just a recruiting victory, it would also be a symbol of resilience and continuity. With changes in the coaching staff and aggressive competition from rivals, securing Cooper would show that Ohio State remains unwavering in its ability to land top-tier players. It would reflect the Buckeyes’ ability to recruit nationally, even in talent-rich regions traditionally dominated by SEC schools. And it would be a boost for head coach Ryan Day, who is always under the microscope when it comes to recruiting battles and beating Michigan—on and off the field.
But if Cooper surprises and goes elsewhere, it would also be a significant moment in the 2025 cycle. Losing out on a player of his caliber would force the Buckeyes to reassess their running back board and potentially accelerate offers or flips from other programs. That’s the reality of recruiting—one domino can shift everything.
Cooper’s decision will not only shape the rest of Ohio State’s recruiting strategy but also influence the national rankings. As a consensus five-star, Cooper has been near the top of every running back ranking since his sophomore year. His commitment could vault his school of choice several spots up the class rankings, further building momentum toward National Signing Day. Fans, analysts, and media outlets will be watching closely, not just for where Cooper lands, but also for what it signals about the broader recruiting landscape in 2025.
As July 12 approaches, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch. Cooper has played things close to the vest, maintaining strong relationships with multiple staffs while keeping his preferences relatively private. That’s why his decision is so intriguing—because it’s still very much a mystery. The only certainty is that whichever school lands him will be getting an instant game-changer, both on and off the field.
In today’s era of college football, where recruiting battles are as fierce as ever and roster turnover is constant, getting a player like Cooper can define a class, shape a season, and even change the arc of a coaching staff’s tenure. He’s that kind of talent. The wait is nearly over, and soon the college football world will know where Derrek Cooper is headed. Until then, the speculation will only intensify, and all eyes will be on one of the most electrifying prospects in America as he prepares to make one of the biggest decisions of his young life.
