Texas Football Continues Building an SEC Powerhouse with Commitment from 2026 Five-Star Running Back Phenom Derrek Cooper
The Texas Longhorns just scored another monumental recruiting win, further solidifying their growing dominance in the SEC and their aspirations for national title contention. On Sunday, five-star running back Derrek Cooper from Shreveport, Louisiana, announced his commitment to the University of Texas, giving Steve Sarkisian and his staff one of the most coveted offensive weapons in the 2026 recruiting class. The Longhorns are surging, both on the field and in recruiting, and Cooper’s pledge sends a resounding message across the country: Texas is not just back—they’re here to stay.
Standing at 6-foot-0, 210 pounds, Cooper is widely considered the top running back in the 2026 class and a top-five player nationally, regardless of position. With elite speed, vision, power, and agility, he is the kind of back that only comes around once every few cycles. Hailing from Captain Shreve High School, Cooper had offers from virtually every major program in the country, including Georgia, Alabama, LSU, Ohio State, and Michigan. However, it was Texas that won the battle, impressing Cooper with its offensive system, coaching staff, and the opportunity to be the face of a rising national powerhouse.
Cooper’s commitment is more than just another five-star addition; it represents the culmination of Sarkisian’s long-term vision for the Longhorns’ offense. Since arriving in Austin, Sarkisian has emphasized explosive, balanced offenses with elite quarterback and running back play. Landing Arch Manning in the 2023 class was the first major quarterback domino, and now, Cooper becomes the running back counterpart for the future. The idea of Cooper lining up behind a talented offensive line and alongside some of the nation’s best receivers has Texas fans—and coaches—dreaming big.
From a scouting perspective, Cooper is a rare talent. He blends old-school physicality with modern versatility. He can run through arm tackles, bounce outside with acceleration, and beat defenders in the open field with either speed or finesse. His pass-catching ability adds another layer to his game, making him a three-down threat in Sarkisian’s pro-style spread attack. At Captain Shreve, he’s already amassed over 3,000 all-purpose yards through his sophomore and junior seasons, earning comparisons to former All-Pro backs like Ezekiel Elliott and Saquon Barkley. But perhaps what separates Cooper the most is his maturity and football IQ. Coaches rave about his vision, his understanding of blocking schemes, and his ability to set up defenders before making a cut.
For Texas, this commitment carries more than just on-field implications. It sends a signal to the rest of the SEC—particularly traditional powers like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU—that the Longhorns are not only recruiting at their level but winning battles in their backyards. Louisiana, long considered an LSU stronghold, is rarely a place where out-of-state programs can go and pluck five-star talent. But Texas did just that, capitalizing on its momentum and presenting a vision that resonated with Cooper and his family.
Recruiting momentum is often cyclical, and timing matters. Cooper’s commitment comes at a perfect juncture for Texas, who just wrapped up a strong showing at SEC Media Days and enters the 2025 season with playoff expectations. The Longhorns are beginning to see the benefits of a strategic shift in their recruiting philosophy—prioritizing SEC-ready players, building trenches on both sides of the ball, and stacking elite skill position talent. With Cooper now in the fold, Texas moves closer to assembling what could be one of the most complete offensive recruiting classes in recent memory.
The impact of Cooper’s commitment will ripple across the 2026 recruiting cycle. Players talk, and top-tier recruits gravitate toward programs where they see success, stability, and the opportunity to compete at the highest level. Texas now becomes an even more attractive destination for receivers, offensive linemen, and quarterbacks looking to join a dynamic offensive unit. Cooper is expected to be one of the vocal leaders of the class, already forming relationships with fellow elite prospects and helping Texas build what could be a top-two class nationally by the time signing day arrives.
While the commitment is non-binding until Cooper signs his letter of intent, all signs point to Texas having a strong grip on his recruitment. Cooper has built a close bond with running backs coach Tashard Choice, who has developed a reputation as one of the nation’s premier position coaches and recruiters. Choice’s NFL experience, combined with Sarkisian’s offensive prowess and the program’s recent player development success, were all significant factors in Cooper’s decision.
Longhorns fans have every reason to be excited about this commitment, but they also know that the work isn’t done. College football recruiting has evolved into a year-round grind, and programs must continuously recruit both committed players and future targets. Texas, however, is better positioned than ever to hold onto its top pledges. The program’s investment in facilities, NIL infrastructure, and its growing SEC brand all contribute to a foundation that feels increasingly stable and elite.
Cooper’s decision also continues a recent trend of elite running backs choosing Texas. The program has become a destination for blue-chip backs, with names like Bijan Robinson, Cedric Baxter, and Jaydon Blue coming through Austin in recent years. That track record of success, both in development and in usage, was not lost on Cooper. He’s made it clear that he wants to be the next great Longhorn back and potentially a first-round NFL Draft pick—and he believes Texas is the place to make that happen.
Off the field, Cooper is known for his discipline, leadership, and strong work ethic. He’s a high-character individual who comes from a grounded family, and his coachability and drive have impressed both high school and college staffs. His commitment isn’t just about adding a playmaker to the roster—it’s about adding a future locker room leader and culture-builder. That’s something that championship-caliber programs need, and it’s another reason why Cooper’s commitment is so impactful.
Looking ahead, Texas has a clear roadmap to building something special. With Cooper in the mix, the Longhorns can now turn their focus to surrounding him with an elite offensive line and top-flight playmakers. The domino effect is already in motion, as several top wideouts and offensive linemen have expressed renewed interest in the Longhorns in the wake of Cooper’s decision. Sarkisian and his staff understand the opportunity in front of them, and they’re executing at a high level.
It’s also worth noting the psychological boost this commitment gives to the fan base. Texas football has always had passionate supporters, but in recent years, that passion has often turned into frustration due to inconsistency and unmet expectations. But with the move to the SEC, the arrival of high-profile recruits, and a renewed sense of purpose, there’s a feeling in Austin that this program is ready to reclaim its place among college football’s elite. Cooper’s commitment is a tangible sign of that progress, and it fuels belief in what Sarkisian is building.
For now, Cooper will return to Shreveport and begin preparing for what should be a monster senior season. All eyes will be on him as he takes the field with the confidence of a player who knows where his future lies. And for Texas fans, the countdown begins—not just to signing day, but to the moment Cooper first takes the field in burnt orange and white. That day can’t come soon enough.
In a sport where momentum is everything, the Longhorns just took another giant leap forward. Derrek Cooper is more than just a five-star recruit—he’s the kind of player who changes programs, redefines expectations, and fuels championship dreams. And now, he’s a Texas Longhorn.