Hooked! Texas Snags Nation’s No. 1 from SEC and ACC Giants – Why Derrek Cooper Chose Texas Over Georgia, OSU, and Miami
In what is rapidly being viewed as one of the most defining recruiting moments of the 2026 cycle, the Texas Longhorns have pulled off a sensational coup by landing five-star running back Derrek Cooper from Chaminade-Madonna in Hollywood, Florida. The decision, which sent shockwaves through the college football world, saw Cooper turn down some of the sport’s most dominant programs—namely the Georgia Bulldogs, Ohio State Buckeyes, and Miami Hurricanes—in favor of donning the burnt orange and white in Austin. Cooper, widely regarded as the nation’s top running back and one of the best overall prospects in his class, confirmed his commitment on July 20, choosing the Longhorns after a fierce national recruiting battle that had fans and analysts on the edge of their seats for months.
Derrek Cooper’s name has long been etched into the consciousness of college football insiders. At 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, the Florida native has the kind of power-speed combination that simply doesn’t come along often. He possesses a rare blend of vision, agility, and breakaway acceleration that makes him a home-run threat every time he touches the football. His performances for Chaminade-Madonna against top-tier national competition have solidified his reputation as a generational talent. But perhaps more importantly, Cooper is a leader and a competitor—traits that stood out not only to recruiters but to fans, alumni, and players alike. And now, he’s set to bring that fire to the Forty Acres.
For the Longhorns, this recruitment is more than just a headline. It is a statement. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, Texas has steadily rebuilt its identity, blending explosive offensive schemes with a defensive toughness suited for SEC play. The addition of Cooper is further evidence that the Longhorns are not just preparing for the SEC—they’re ready to thrive in it. That Cooper chose Texas over Georgia, the dominant program of the last decade; Ohio State, a perennial playoff contender; and Miami, his in-state suitor with deep cultural and regional ties, speaks volumes about the direction and allure of the Texas program in 2026.
So why did Cooper choose Texas?
The answer is layered, touching on football tradition, development pathways, personal relationships, and broader visions for the future. Cooper himself has been candid about the factors that led to his decision, offering a glimpse into the mindset of a top-tier recruit in today’s evolving landscape.
First and foremost, Texas’s reputation as “RB-U” played a pivotal role. Over the past five years, no school has sent more running backs to the NFL with first-round or second-round grades than Texas. From Bijan Robinson’s electric rise to Keilan Robinson’s utility-style success, the Longhorns have developed a clear track record of producing versatile, league-ready backs. Cooper saw that and wanted to be the next in line. “They’re known as RB-U,” Cooper said. “They’ve had a lot of backs in the league, and that’s something I take seriously. I don’t just want to play college ball—I want to dominate and get to the next level. Texas gives me that path.”
That path is paved not only by pedigree but by coaching. Chad Scott, the Longhorns’ running backs coach, has emerged as one of the most respected developers of talent in the country. Cooper repeatedly emphasized the strength of his relationship with Scott, crediting the coach’s honesty, intensity, and mentorship style as key reasons for committing to Texas. “Coach Scott is a great dude,” Cooper remarked. “He’s tough, but he knows what he’s doing. He talks to me like a man, not just a player, and that meant a lot. I feel like I’m going to grow under him—on and off the field.”
Cooper also pointed to the holistic development environment at Texas, a factor that often separates great programs from elite ones. It wasn’t just about playing time or stats—it was about legacy, long-term vision, and personal fulfillment. The school’s commitment to athlete wellness, academic support, and professional networking left a strong impression on the five-star back. “Texas just felt like home,” Cooper added. “It’s not just the football. It’s the culture, the city, the people, the way they take care of their guys. I knew I could trust them with my future.”
Another key piece of the puzzle was Texas’s rising status within the SEC. Though the Longhorns’ move to the SEC sparked debates at the time, it’s now paying major dividends on the recruiting trail. Texas is no longer just a Big 12 powerhouse—it’s an SEC player with national appeal. Competing against programs like Alabama, LSU, Georgia, and Florida on a regular basis is seen by recruits like Cooper as an opportunity, not a challenge. Playing against the best sharpens iron—and Cooper wants to be sharpened.
That’s why turning down Georgia was not easy, but ultimately necessary. The Bulldogs, led by Kirby Smart, had made Cooper a top priority. With their reputation for championship contention and physical running backs like Nick Chubb and Todd Gurley in their lineage, Georgia seemed like a natural destination. Cooper visited Athens multiple times, praised the facilities and culture, but something kept pulling him toward Austin. Similarly, Miami offered the hometown connection, while Ohio State boasted a high-powered offense and elite running back tradition. Yet, in the end, none of those schools could replicate the exact mix of development, exposure, and belonging that Texas offered.
Cooper’s recruitment journey wasn’t without drama. Speculation swirled on social media with every unofficial visit and every cryptic Instagram post. For months, insiders were divided on his final destination. Some leaned toward Miami due to its proximity and family connections. Others predicted Georgia based on the school’s recent national titles and SEC pedigree. Ohio State made a late surge, offering Cooper a compelling NIL structure and emphasizing his fit in their dynamic offense. But Texas played the long game. They built trust, showed consistency, and made Cooper feel like more than a number. They made him feel like a cornerstone.
That word—cornerstone—is exactly how Texas views Cooper’s role in their 2026 class. And it’s no ordinary class. Already brimming with top talent like five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson and quarterback Dia Bell, the Longhorns are piecing together a generational group. Cooper adds a new dimension to that mix—a tone-setter, a leader, and a proven winner. His presence not only elevates the running back room but boosts the entire offensive ceiling.
Recruiting analysts are already projecting that Texas’s 2026 class could finish as the nation’s best. Cooper’s commitment is the kind of domino that often triggers momentum across position groups. Receivers want to play with elite backs. Quarterbacks want balance. Linemen want to block for game-breakers. Cooper is that rare type of player who attracts others—his name carries weight, his game even more so.
Beyond the field, Cooper’s impact will be felt culturally as well. Texas has had mixed success recruiting in Florida over the years, often losing out to in-state powers. Cooper’s choice sends a powerful message to the Sunshine State’s top players: Austin is a destination worth considering. With SEC games in Florida now part of the equation, Texas’s national reach is expanding. Cooper’s decision opens doors—and Sarkisian and his staff are ready to walk through them.
As for Cooper’s goals? He’s never been one to shy away from pressure. He talks openly about winning a national championship, earning All-American honors, and one day hearing his name called in the first round of the NFL Draft. But he also talks about graduating, giving back to his community, and mentoring younger players. His vision is broad. His ambition is towering. And Texas, more than any other program, matched that ambition.
In the immediate aftermath of his commitment, reactions poured in from every corner of the college football world. Longhorns players and alumni took to social media to welcome Cooper to the family. “Let’s eat, young bull,” one tweet read from former Texas RB Roschon Johnson. “RB1 in the building,” added another. Fans rejoiced at the momentum shift, boosters quietly smiled at the return on their investments, and the coaching staff? They simply got back to work.
Because if there’s one truth about modern college football, it’s this: commitments are only the beginning. The journey now begins for Cooper—a journey that will test him, challenge him, and mold him. But with Texas behind him, and his own drive propelling him forward, there’s every reason to believe that the best is yet to come.
For Georgia, Miami, and Ohio State, Cooper’s decision stings. They did everything right. They offered pathways to greatness, passionate fan bases, and world-class facilities. But in the end, the perfect storm in Austin proved irresistible. Texas simply had more to offer—on the field, in the classroom, and beyond.
So now, all eyes turn toward the fall and the next wave of commitments, but one thing is already clear: Texas has landed its man. Derrek Cooper, the nation’s top running back and a symbol of the Longhorns’ rising power, is coming to Austin. And with him, he brings belief, excitement, and the potential to change everything.
Hooked, indeed.
