The Texas Longhorns added another jewel to their 2026 recruiting class last month when they earned Derrek Cooper’s commitment. He has eyes elsewhere, however, as he plans to take at least one visit to another school in the coming months.
“Elite Texas RB commit Derrek Cooper plans to visit Miami on August 31, and tells @stephenwagOn3 that he could see a few other schools this season, too,” Rivals’ X account posted Saturday.
ESPN ranks Cooper as the No. 1 tailback in his class, ahead of Savion Hiter (No. 2) and Alabama Crimson Tide pledge Ezavier Crowell (No. 3). Cooper chose Steve Sarkisian’s program after the staff compared his abilities and build to former Longhorns star Bijan Robinson.
Cooper’s other finalists were the Florida State Seminoles, Georgia Bulldogs, Miami Hurricanes and Ohio State Buckeyes.
Mario Cristobal will do his best to try to change Cooper’s mind when he visits Coral Gables later this month. Offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell, 247Sports’ No. 2 player in the 2026 class, decided to commit to the Hurricanes in May.
“As a ball carrier, runs with plenty of tempo and energy as he hits the hole with urgency,” 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins wrote in a scouting report. “Always seems to be spiraling forward with his 6-foot-1, 205-pound frame and will use his core power to bounce off tacklers in tight quarters.”
On 124 carries last season, Cooper ran for 905 yards and 13 touchdowns at Chaminade-Madonna (Fla.). He was named as a second-team MaxPreps Junior All-American for his efforts.
No Comment! Be the first one.