Texas football secures a major victory on the recruiting trail with the commitment of elite 2026 five-star running back Derrek Cooper.
The Texas Longhorns have officially made a resounding statement on the recruiting trail with the commitment of 2026 five-star running back Derrek Cooper, a dynamic prospect who is already being regarded as one of the top players in his class. This commitment not only underscores Texas’ growing dominance in securing elite talent but also sends a clear message to the rest of the college football world that the Longhorns are building something special for the future. The addition of Cooper to the 2026 recruiting class is more than just a big win; it’s a pivotal moment that highlights the program’s long-term vision, recruiting prowess, and determination to compete for national championships in the coming years.
Derrek Cooper’s decision to commit to Texas comes after months of intense recruiting battles, with powerhouse programs such as Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and USC all aggressively pursuing him. Known for his explosive speed, elite field vision, and versatility as both a rusher and receiver out of the backfield, Cooper was one of the most sought-after recruits in the nation. At 6’0” and 205 pounds, he combines the size of a traditional power back with the quickness and agility of a smaller, elusive runner, making him a nightmare for opposing defenses. In many ways, his skillset evokes memories of some of the greatest running backs in Texas football history, and fans are already dreaming of how he might one day follow in the footsteps of Longhorn legends such as Ricky Williams, Earl Campbell, and Jamaal Charles.
What makes Cooper’s commitment particularly impressive is the fact that Texas was able to fend off so many blue-blood programs to secure his pledge. Alabama and Georgia, both perennial College Football Playoff contenders, were considered frontrunners early in the process, and Ohio State also made a strong push in the final months. However, the Longhorns’ coaching staff, led by head coach Steve Sarkisian and running backs coach Tashard Choice, built a relationship with Cooper that clearly resonated. Sarkisian’s offensive vision, combined with Texas’ track record of producing NFL-ready running backs, gave the Longhorns an edge that other programs simply couldn’t match.
Cooper has been making headlines since his freshman year of high school, where he quickly established himself as a dominant force on the field. His breakout sophomore campaign cemented his status as a five-star recruit, as he rushed for over 1,800 yards and 25 touchdowns against elite competition. Scouts rave about his ability to accelerate through holes, his patience in setting up blocks, and his breakaway speed once he reaches the second level of the defense. Equally impressive is his ability to catch passes out of the backfield, a skill that perfectly complements Sarkisian’s offensive philosophy, which places a heavy emphasis on creating mismatches and exploiting defenses with versatile playmakers.
The commitment of a player like Derrek Cooper does more than just add talent to the roster—it helps build momentum for the entire Texas program. Recruiting is often about perception and momentum, and landing a top-tier talent like Cooper sends a strong message to other recruits in the 2026 class that Texas is the place to be. It’s no secret that elite recruits tend to attract other elite recruits, and Cooper’s decision could very well lead to a ripple effect as other high-profile players take notice of what Sarkisian and his staff are building in Austin. Already, there are rumblings that several top offensive linemen and wide receivers who have been considering Texas might be leaning toward joining Cooper in what could end up being one of the strongest recruiting classes in the country.
Another factor that played into Cooper’s decision is the recent success of Texas on the field. The Longhorns’ move to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) has only heightened the sense of excitement around the program, as it provides players like Cooper with the opportunity to compete against the best of the best week in and week out. For a competitor of his caliber, the chance to showcase his talents on such a grand stage was undoubtedly appealing. Moreover, the Longhorns’ resurgence under Sarkisian, highlighted by impressive wins and a renewed sense of identity, has restored the program’s reputation as a true national contender.
Fans in Austin are understandably thrilled by the news of Cooper’s commitment. Social media exploded with reactions from both fans and former players, many of whom see this as yet another sign that Texas is poised to return to its former glory. In a college football landscape where recruiting is often the difference between mediocrity and championship contention, landing a player like Cooper is a game-changer. His combination of talent, work ethic, and leadership qualities make him the type of player who can not only contribute on the field but also elevate those around him.
In addition to his on-field skills, Cooper has earned a reputation for being a humble, hardworking young man who is committed to improving his game and leading by example. Coaches who have worked with him describe him as a film junkie, someone who spends hours studying defenses and perfecting his craft. This relentless dedication to improvement is part of what makes him such an exciting prospect for Texas. Sarkisian has often emphasized the importance of culture and character in his recruiting efforts, and Cooper seems to embody those qualities perfectly.
Looking ahead, there’s already plenty of speculation about how Cooper will fit into the Texas offense once he arrives on campus. Given his unique skillset, it’s easy to imagine him thriving in a system that emphasizes both power running and explosive plays through the air. With Texas continuing to attract elite quarterbacks and wide receivers, Cooper could find himself as part of one of the most dangerous offensive units in college football. The prospect of him lining up alongside other future stars in burnt orange is enough to make Longhorn fans salivate at what the future holds.
While there is still a long way to go before Cooper officially suits up for Texas, the excitement surrounding his commitment is undeniable. Recruiting rankings and star ratings can sometimes be misleading, but in Cooper’s case, there is no denying his elite potential. If he continues to develop and stays healthy, there is every reason to believe that he could be the next great running back to wear the Longhorn uniform.
This commitment also speaks volumes about the job that Sarkisian and his staff have done in building relationships with recruits and selling the vision of the Texas program. In today’s college football landscape, where NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and transfer portals have added new layers of complexity to recruiting, landing a five-star talent requires more than just tradition and facilities. It requires a clear plan for how the player will develop, succeed, and eventually make it to the NFL. Texas has been able to provide that blueprint, and Cooper’s commitment is evidence that their message is resonating with the top recruits in the nation.
The impact of this news extends beyond just the 2026 class. It serves as a reminder to Texas fans and the college football world that the Longhorns are serious about their pursuit of excellence. For years, the program has faced criticism for failing to live up to its potential despite having access to one of the richest recruiting grounds in the country. Now, with commitments like Cooper’s, there is a renewed sense of optimism that the Longhorns are on the verge of a sustained run of success.
Ultimately, Derrek Cooper’s decision to choose Texas is a testament to the hard work of the coaching staff, the appeal of the program’s future in the SEC, and the magnetic pull of a school with a rich tradition of producing some of the greatest players in college football history. For fans, this commitment represents hope and excitement for what lies ahead. For opposing defenses, it represents a looming challenge that they will have to contend with in the years to come.
The 2026 recruiting cycle is still young, but Texas has already struck gold with the addition of Derrek Cooper. As the months go by, the focus will turn to how the Longhorns can continue to build around him and put together a class that can compete with the nation’s best. If this commitment is any indication, Texas is well on its way to assembling a roster that has the potential to bring championships back to Austin. The road ahead will be filled with hard work and high expectations, but with players like Cooper leading the charge, the Longhorns’ future looks brighter than ever.