Ohio State Gets Good News on Coveted Star Running Back

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dave Holcomb | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 7:24 PM ET

A couple different college football programs appear to be getting very positive signs from one of the top 2026 running backs on the recruiting trail. One of those programs is the Ohio State Buckeyes.

On3's Steve Wiltfong reported Sunday that Cooper's family had a terrific weekend visit with the Buckeyes.

“Everything was amazing in Ohio,” Cooper’s mother Tonya Brinson told Wiltfong.

The recruiting insider described Cooper as "one of the headliners" at the Ohio State campus over the weekend. Cooper has visited the Buckeyes multiple times during his recruitment process.

The Buckeyes have three-star running back Favour Akih committed in the 2026 class, but the program is still trying to land another pledge from a top tier back.

Wiltfong suggested the Miami Hurricanes, Georgia Bulldogs, Auburn Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide are also pushing for Cooper.

On3's Chad Simmons wrote on June 13 that the Bulldogs were confident where they stand in the recruitment of the top running back.

Simmons, though, also wrote Cooper's mother would play "a significant part" in his college decision. So, it's not at all a bad thing that she had a great time at Ohio State.

The nation’s No. 3 RB Derrek Cooper talks Ohio State official visit, Miami and more from check-in at Rivals Five Star Challenge; https://t.co/dvjvOsLPXM pic.twitter.com/5suKZ7tUN3
— Steve Wiltfong (@SWiltfong_) June 23, 2025

The 247Sports Composite rankings have Cooper rated as the No. 2 Florida recruit in the 2026 class. The recruiting rankings from ESPN and Rivals have him as the No. 1 running back in the class.

The running back is also a consensus top 100 recruit for 2026. On the 247Sports Composite rankings, Cooper is rated as the No. 30 overall prospect.

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

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