IT IS OFFICIAL: Done Deal; Ohio State Lands 5-Star RB Derrek Cooper — The No. 3 RB in 2026, Known for His Explosive Acceleration, Sharp Vision, and Physical Running Style, Gives the Buckeyes a Future Backfield Centerpiece

In the world of college football recruiting, every commitment is important, but some stand out as game-changers for the future of a program. One such commitment came this week, when Ohio State University announced that it had officially secured a verbal pledge from 5-star running back Derrek Cooper, the No. 3 running back in the 2026 class. This recruitment, which has been one of the most anticipated of the cycle, is poised to shape the future of the Ohio State backfield and strengthen their recruiting class, which already boasts several other highly-rated players.

Cooper, known for his explosive acceleration, sharp vision, and physical running style, is considered one of the best running backs in the entire country for the 2026 recruiting class. His commitment to Ohio State marks a significant win for head coach Ryan Day and the Buckeyes’ recruiting staff, who have been working tirelessly to build a roster capable of competing at the highest levels of college football.

In this article, we’ll dive into the significance of Cooper’s commitment, what he brings to Ohio State’s football program, and why he is seen as the future centerpiece of the Buckeyes’ backfield. Additionally, we’ll take a closer look at his skills and how they will translate to the college game, as well as how Ohio State plans to develop him as a future star.

The Significance of Derrek Cooper’s Commitment to Ohio State

Derrek Cooper’s decision to commit to Ohio State is one that holds tremendous weight, both for the Buckeyes’ future and for the broader landscape of college football recruiting. While Ohio State has a rich history of recruiting elite running backs—such as Ezekiel Elliott, J.K. Dobbins, and Trey Sermon—landing a top-tier talent like Cooper solidifies their position as one of the premier programs in the nation for developing running backs.

Cooper’s commitment comes after months of anticipation and speculation, as several top schools across the country vied for his services. Ohio State’s ability to secure his pledge early in the recruiting process is a testament to the program’s longstanding tradition of excellence and their ability to identify and attract top-tier talent. Cooper is not just another highly-rated player; he’s viewed as a generational talent, someone who has the potential to make an immediate impact on a national scale.

This commitment is also a clear signal to other top recruits that Ohio State remains a powerhouse program with the infrastructure, coaching, and resources to develop future NFL stars. The Buckeyes have long been known for producing elite players at virtually every position, and Cooper’s commitment adds to their legacy of excellence in recruiting. As Ohio State continues to build its recruiting class, the addition of Cooper provides a solid foundation for future success and gives the team a cornerstone player to build around in the years to come.

What Derrek Cooper Brings to Ohio State’s Offense

Derrek Cooper is a running back with a combination of skills that makes him one of the most exciting prospects in the 2026 recruiting class. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing around 205 pounds, Cooper has the ideal frame for a modern running back—combining power, speed, and agility in a way that makes him an immediate matchup nightmare for defenders.

Explosive Acceleration

One of Cooper’s standout attributes is his explosive acceleration. From the moment the ball is snapped, he can quickly reach top speed, making him a dangerous weapon in any offensive system. Whether he is hitting the hole with power or sprinting to the outside to exploit a crease in the defense, Cooper’s burst is exceptional. This elite acceleration allows him to outrun defenders to the edge, break off long runs, and create big-play potential on every touch.

For Ohio State, a team that values explosive plays and high-scoring offense, Cooper’s ability to get to the second level of the defense quickly will be a valuable asset. His speed and burst will allow him to stretch defenses and create mismatches, especially in zone-read and outside zone running schemes that are staples of Ohio State’s offense.

Sharp Vision and Field Awareness

Cooper’s vision on the field is another key component of his game. He has an uncanny ability to read the defense and find the gaps in the offensive line. Whether running between the tackles or to the outside, Cooper consistently displays the ability to find daylight and explode through it with little hesitation. His sharp field awareness allows him to set up defenders and make them miss in tight spaces, which is a critical skill for a running back at the college level.

His vision will be particularly valuable behind an offensive line at Ohio State, where the coaching staff emphasizes the importance of patience and setting up blocks. Cooper’s ability to quickly process what is happening in front of him and react accordingly will make him an ideal fit for the Buckeyes’ offense. Whether it’s reading pulling linemen on power plays or following a lead blocker in space, Cooper has the instincts to succeed in Ohio State’s fast-paced, dynamic offense.

Physical Running Style

In addition to his speed and vision, Cooper has a physical running style that will translate well to the Big Ten. He has a natural ability to break tackles and push through arm tackles, using his size and strength to churn out extra yards. His low center of gravity and compact build allow him to absorb hits while maintaining balance and continuing to move forward.

For Ohio State, this physicality will be crucial when it comes to grinding out tough yards on the ground, especially in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Cooper’s ability to lower his shoulders and fight for additional yardage will give the Buckeyes a reliable power back to complement their explosive playmakers. He can also function as a workhorse in late-game situations, wearing down defenses and keeping opposing units on their heels.

How Cooper Fits into Ohio State’s Offensive Scheme

Ohio State has long been known for its up-tempo offense, which often relies on explosive plays and a balanced attack. With the addition of Derrek Cooper to the backfield, the Buckeyes now have a dynamic running back who can contribute both in the ground game and as a receiving threat out of the backfield. Cooper’s skill set allows him to be an all-purpose back who can handle a heavy workload and contribute in multiple facets of the offense.

Running the Ball

In Ohio State’s offense, the running game is often predicated on zone-blocking schemes and power runs. Cooper’s ability to find the hole, explode through the line of scrimmage, and gain chunk yardage fits well with these concepts. Whether running outside on stretch plays or inside on power runs, Cooper can excel in the Buckeyes’ offensive system. His vision and quick decision-making will make him a fit in Ohio State’s spread offense, where space and pace are key.

Receiving Threat

In addition to his ability to run the ball, Cooper also excels as a receiving threat. He has good hands out of the backfield and can make defenders miss in the open field. Ohio State has increasingly incorporated running backs into their passing game, and Cooper will add another dimension to the Buckeyes’ offense. Whether as a checkdown option for the quarterback or as a route-runner out of the backfield, Cooper’s receiving ability will allow Ohio State to use him in a variety of ways and keep defenses guessing.

Recruiting Impact: Ohio State’s Continued Dominance

Derrek Cooper’s commitment is a huge victory for Ohio State’s recruiting efforts, especially in a year when the Buckeyes are looking to maintain their status as one of the elite programs in college football. With an already impressive 2026 recruiting class, which includes several 4-star and 5-star players, Cooper’s decision to commit to Ohio State adds even more firepower to what promises to be an outstanding group of incoming freshmen.

The commitment of a player of Cooper’s caliber sends a strong message to other recruits: Ohio State is still a program that can develop talent, compete for national championships, and prepare players for successful careers at the next level. The Buckeyes’ ability to land top-tier running backs like Cooper adds to their tradition of excellence at the position, which includes producing NFL-caliber players like Ezekiel Elliott and J.K. Dobbins.

Looking Ahead: Cooper’s Future at Ohio State

With Cooper now officially in the fold, the next step is his transition to the college game. While he will have the opportunity to learn from some of the best coaches and running backs in the country, his immediate impact is something that Buckeyes fans are eagerly anticipating. Given his combination of speed, vision, and physicality, Cooper is expected to contribute right away, with the potential to become the centerpiece of Ohio State’s backfield.

Ohio State fans can look forward to seeing Cooper develop under the guidance of the Buckeyes’ elite coaching staff, which has a proven track record of developing running backs who go on to play at the highest levels. Cooper’s future in Columbus looks incredibly bright, and his presence in the backfield will undoubtedly make Ohio State’s offense even more dangerous in the coming years.

Conclusion

Derrek Cooper’s commitment to Ohio State is a landmark moment in the program’s recruiting efforts and sets the stage for a bright future. With his explosive speed, sharp vision, and physical running style, Cooper is a perfect fit for Ohio State’s offensive system. His addition to the Buckeyes’ roster will provide the team with a future backfield centerpiece who can make an immediate impact and help Ohio State maintain its place among college football’s elite programs. As the 2026 recruiting class continues to take shape, Ohio State’s continued dominance on the recruiting trail is undeniable, and Derrek Cooper’s commitment is one of the most exciting developments for the Buckeyes’ future.