Breaking: 5-Star RB Signed by Ohio State Derrek Cooper With his quick acceleration, keen vision, and muscular rushing style, the No. 3 RB in 2026 provides the Buckeyes with a future backfield focal point.

In a major development for Ohio State’s football program, the Buckeyes have signed one of the most sought-after running back prospects in the 2026 recruiting class: Derrek Cooper, a 5-star running back from St. Louis, Missouri. Cooper, currently ranked as the No. 3 running back nationally for the class of 2026, has committed to Ohio State, solidifying the Buckeyes’ future at the running back position. With his quick acceleration, sharp vision, and powerful rushing style, Cooper is set to be a major contributor to Ohio State’s backfield in the coming years.

A Rising Star in High School Football

Cooper’s journey to becoming one of the nation’s top high school football players is marked by his unique blend of skills, athleticism, and work ethic. He began his high school career at St. Louis Central High, where he quickly made a name for himself with his ability to dominate opposing defenses. As a sophomore, he rushed for over 1,500 yards and 20 touchdowns, showcasing his explosive speed and physicality. Cooper’s ability to cut on a dime, combined with his muscular frame and aggressive running style, made him an immediate standout.

By his junior year, Cooper had established himself as one of the premier running back prospects in the country. His speed, vision, and physicality set him apart from others in his class, with scouts and analysts taking note of his ability to accelerate through the line of scrimmage and his knack for finding gaps in the defense. He was not just a one-dimensional back; Cooper’s ability to break tackles and gain yardage after contact made him a nightmare for defenders.

As his recruitment took off, Cooper received scholarship offers from nearly every major program in college football. Schools like Alabama, Georgia, and Oklahoma all came calling, but it was Ohio State that made the strongest impression. The Buckeyes, known for producing elite running backs, including NFL stars like Ezekiel Elliott and J.K. Dobbins, were particularly attractive to Cooper, who saw the potential for success in Columbus.

Why Ohio State?

Cooper’s commitment to Ohio State is a major win for head coach Ryan Day and his staff, who have built a reputation for developing elite talent, particularly at the running back position. The Buckeyes have consistently produced NFL-caliber backs, and their offensive system, which emphasizes a balanced attack and the ability to stretch defenses, aligns perfectly with Cooper’s skill set.

Ohio State’s offensive line play is another key factor that helped sway Cooper’s decision. With one of the best offensive lines in the country, the Buckeyes provide a stable environment for running backs to thrive. The ability to run behind a talented offensive line that creates huge running lanes is something that appealed to Cooper, who excels in finding and exploiting gaps in the defense. Additionally, the Buckeyes have a history of integrating running backs into the offense early, allowing them to make an immediate impact.

Moreover, Ohio State’s consistently competitive program, which regularly competes for Big Ten titles and College Football Playoff berths, was an attractive aspect for Cooper. As a player with national championship aspirations, joining a program that is always in the conversation for the College Football Playoff (CFP) was a significant draw. Cooper’s goal is to compete at the highest level, and Ohio State provides the platform to do just that.

Cooper’s Skill Set: The Complete Package

What sets Derrek Cooper apart from other running back prospects is his combination of speed, strength, and football IQ. Listed at 6’1″, 210 pounds, Cooper already possesses a powerful frame that allows him to push through tackles while maintaining his speed. His size is particularly impressive for a back of his caliber, as it gives him the ability to run over defenders while also having the agility to make defenders miss.

1. Acceleration & Speed: One of Cooper’s standout traits is his ability to accelerate quickly after taking the handoff. He hits the line of scrimmage with a burst of speed, which allows him to gain yardage quickly and stretch defenses. His top-end speed is another key factor in his success, as he can outrun defenders once he gets to the open field.
2. Vision: Cooper’s vision on the field is extraordinary. He has the ability to identify holes in the defense almost instantaneously, and his decision-making is spot-on. He consistently makes the right cuts, allowing him to turn what might seem like a small gain into a big play. His awareness of the defense around him makes him a difficult player to stop, as he can evade tacklers with ease.
3. Power Running Style: Despite his speed, Cooper is also a powerful back who isn’t afraid of contact. He thrives in short-yardage situations, and his ability to fight through arm tackles and push for extra yardage makes him a versatile runner. His lower body strength and balance allow him to break tackles and extend plays, even when defenders get a piece of him.
4. Elusiveness & Agility: Cooper is more than just a power back; he has exceptional lateral quickness and can make defenders miss with his elusiveness. His ability to juke and change direction with minimal effort allows him to avoid tacklers in tight spaces. This agility, combined with his speed, makes him a dangerous threat in the open field.
5. Pass-Catching Ability: While Cooper is known for his rushing skills, he’s also a capable pass catcher out of the backfield. His hands are solid, and he has the ability to contribute in the passing game, which adds another dimension to his skill set. This ability to catch passes out of the backfield will make him an even more valuable weapon in Ohio State’s dynamic offense.

What Does This Mean for Ohio State’s Future?

With the addition of Derrek Cooper to the 2026 recruiting class, Ohio State has secured a major asset for their future backfield. Cooper’s skill set is a perfect fit for the Buckeyes’ offensive system, and he’s poised to be a key contributor for years to come. His addition helps solidify Ohio State’s position as one of the premier programs in the country when it comes to developing elite running backs.

The Buckeyes have had tremendous success at the running back position in recent years, with players like J.K. Dobbins, Ezekiel Elliott, and Trey Sermon all making significant impacts in the NFL. With Cooper, Ohio State is set to continue that legacy, providing future quarterbacks and offensive coordinators with a game-changing talent in the backfield.

Ohio State’s offensive coordinator, Kevin Wilson, who is known for his creative and dynamic playcalling, will likely find ways to utilize Cooper in a variety of ways. Whether as a traditional running back, a pass-catching back, or even in creative formations, Cooper’s versatility gives Ohio State numerous options to exploit defenses.

In addition to his on-field impact, Cooper’s arrival also brings a boost to the Buckeyes’ recruiting efforts. The signing of a player of Cooper’s caliber signals to other top recruits that Ohio State is still one of the most elite programs in the country. His decision to join Ohio State will likely have a ripple effect, attracting other highly-ranked prospects to Columbus as they see the potential for success in the Buckeyes’ program.

Looking Ahead: Derrek Cooper’s Path to Ohio State

While it will be a few years before Cooper steps foot on campus, the anticipation is already building. He has two more seasons of high school football left to play, and there’s no doubt that he will continue to improve as he refines his skills and adds to his impressive resume. Once he arrives in Columbus, Cooper will have the opportunity to develop under some of the best coaching in the country, and his potential is limitless.

Cooper will likely enroll at Ohio State as an early enrollee in the spring of 2026, allowing him to participate in spring practice and begin getting acclimated to the Buckeyes’ system. His arrival will be highly anticipated by fans, coaches, and teammates alike, as they look forward to seeing him in action on the field.

Derrek Cooper’s commitment to Ohio State is a monumental moment for the Buckeyes’ football program. As one of the top running back prospects in the country, his skill set, work ethic, and potential make him an exciting addition to Ohio State’s future. With his quick acceleration, sharp vision, and powerful running style, Cooper is poised to become a cornerstone of the Buckeyes’ backfield and help lead them to continued success in the coming years.

For fans of Ohio State, the future looks bright, and with Derrek Cooper joining the ranks, it’s clear that the Buckeyes are poised to maintain their status as one of college football’s elite programs.