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Nation No. 3 RB Predicted to Commit to SEC Powerhouse

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Jul 14, 2025 10:57 AM ET

Several top recruits in the 2026 class are choosing programs to start their collegiate careers with, and one big-name prospect scheduled to commit soon is running back Derrek Cooper.

Cooper has chosen the Ohio State Buckeyes, Florida State Seminoles, Texas Longhorns, Georgia Bulldogs and Miami Hurricanes as his final schools.

On Saturday, On3's Stephen Wagner predicted that Cooper would land within the SEC and commit to the Longhorns.

On3 ranks Cooper as a four-star recruit, the No. 3 running back, the No. 3 player in Florida and the No. 34 player in the nation.

Last season, Cooper put up some solid numbers for Chaminade-Madonna, rushing the ball 124 times for 905 yards and 13 touchdowns in 15 games, while also performing on defense with 46 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, four sacks and four pass deflections.

While talking to On3's Hayes Fawcett, Cooper had some strong words for the Longhorns, saying, "I feel like I’m a high priority from where I’m standing and where they’re standing.”

However, of all the five finalists left standing to land his commitment, the Longhorns are the only team that didn't bring him in for an official visit.

Now, it will remain to be seen if Wagner's prediction becomes a reality, as the running back is set to announce his decision on Sunday.

If it is, then Cooper would be the first running back to join Texas' already impressive 2026 recruiting class, which features 18 players and ranks No. 7 in the SEC and No. 15 in the nation.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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