Breaking News: Chaminade-Madonna‘s 4-Star Running Back; Derrek Cooper (’26) has committed to Texas! Cooper announced his decision moments ago at his commitment party in Sunrise, FL.

Derrek Cooper stands as the #2 RB in the 2026 class, holding 39 Official Division I FBS Offers. A few weeks before his commitment, Cooper narrowed that process down to a final 5 schools: Texas, Miami, Ohio State, Georgia, Florida State. When asked about what the process was like picking his future home from those final 5 blue bloods, Derrek shared:

“It feels amazing to finally pick the school I want to go to!” Cooper stated. “It was hard choosing from the final 5 schools, they were the schools that truly fit me. Ultimately, I knew Texas was home a couple weeks ago when I sat down with my family. Coach Sark and Coach Flood have a great offense, and I’m excited to play in it.”

Somebody’s got to trademark ‘954 Longhorns’ now. With the addition of Derrek Cooper, Texas is bringing in two of South Florida’s premier prospects, alongside 5-Star QB Dia Bell from American Heritage. This explosive duo is projected to make alot of noise in both the rushing game but also in the receiving game.

“Dia didn’t know I was coming. He found out just now like everyone else.” Cooper stated with a smile. “We’ve talked a lot of times about making that QB/RB duo and be the best in College football. It’s time to make that a reality.”

The Longhorns have now added yet another blue chip prospect to their already talented ’26 class. Derrek Cooper is the prototype of the modern running back. He’s got good size, elite speed and can just pound the rock. Derrek is just as versatile in the receiving game as he is a rusher, and will most certainly be a threat the modern RPO-style offense that Texas boasts.

With the commitment Derrek Cooper, the Texas Longhorns now boast the #5 recruiting class in the Country (per 24/7Sports).

Cover Photo Credits: Jack Smeal, NewEraPrep