Texas picks up 5-star RB Derrek Cooper

Five-star running back Derrek Cooper has committed to Texas, he told Hayes Fawcett of Rivals.

Cooper, the highest-ranked recruit at his position and the No. 7 overall prospect in 2026 by ESPN, picked the Longhorns over Miami, Florida State, Ohio State, and Georgia.

His commitment is the latest big pickup for Texas' 2026 recruiting class. Cooper is the fourth five-star commit, joining quarterback Dia Bell, defensive end Richard Wesley, and outside linebacker Tyler Atkinson. Only Bell, who was also rated the best at his position, was ranked higher in the 2026 class than Cooper by ESPN.

Cooper joins the Longhorns without taking a visit to the school before his commitment. He had previously visited Ohio State, Penn State, Florida State, Georgia, Alabama, Miami, and Auburn.