Ohio State continues its recruiting dominance with a major splash, landing a commitment from 5-star running back Derrek Cooper, the No. 3 RB in the 2026 class.

Breaking: Ohio State Lands 5-Star RB Derrek Cooper

 

Ohio State continues its recruiting dominance with a major splash, landing a commitment from 5-star running back Derrek Cooper, the No. 3 RB in the 2026 class. The dynamic back out of Buford, Georgia, chose the Buckeyes over heavyweights like Georgia, Alabama, and Texas, delivering a statement win for head coach Ryan Day and his staff.

 

Cooper is widely regarded as one of the most complete running backs in the country. At 6-foot, 205 pounds, he blends explosive acceleration with elite vision and a bruising, physical running style. His ability to hit top speed in a flash, combined with his patience and cutback instincts, makes him a nightmare for defenders at every level. In his junior season, Cooper rushed for over 1,800 yards and 23 touchdowns, consistently dominating elite competition.

 

His commitment gives Ohio State a potential cornerstone for its future offense, pairing perfectly with the Buckeyes’ recent string of blue-chip offensive line and quarterback recruits. Cooper’s skill set translates seamlessly to the Buckeyes’ zone-heavy run scheme, and his pass-catching ability adds another layer to an already versatile arsenal.

 

This commitment also strengthens Ohio State’s grip on a top-five 2026 recruiting class and signals their continued dominance in national recruiting battles. The Buckeyes have now secured pledges from multiple top-100 prospects, further solidifying their place among the nation’s elite.

 

For Buckeye Nation, this is a massive win—not just for what Cooper brings on the field, but for what it says about the program’s direction. Derrek Cooper is more than just a star recruit; he’s a potential game-changer who could carry the Scarlet and Gray to new heights in the seasons ahead.