IT IS OFFICIAL: Ohio State Lands 5-Star RB Derrek Cooper, A Game-Changer for the Buckeyes’ Future………

IT IS OFFICIAL: Ohio State Lands 5-Star RB Derrek Cooper, A Game-Changer for the Buckeyes’ Future

In a major recruiting win that has energized Buckeye Nation, Ohio State has officially landed a commitment from 5-star running back Derrek Cooper, the No. 3-ranked RB in the 2026 class. Known across the country for his explosive acceleration, elite vision, and bruising, physical running style, Cooper gives Ohio State a future offensive centerpiece and one of the most highly coveted recruits in recent years.

The announcement came via a social media post from Cooper, who revealed his decision with a video featuring highlights from his dominant high school career, scenes of Columbus, and the iconic scarlet and gray uniforms of the Buckeyes. He simply captioned it: “Home. Go Bucks.”

Cooper, a 6-foot, 210-pound powerhouse out of Houston, Texas, chose Ohio State over offers from Alabama, Georgia, USC, and Texas — all of whom had made strong pushes for the dynamic back. His commitment marks a huge victory for head coach Ryan Day and running backs coach Tony Alford, who had made Cooper a top priority throughout the recruiting cycle.

“Ohio State felt like family,” Cooper said in a follow-up interview. “The tradition, the fans, the coaching staff — everything just clicked. They know how to develop backs and win championships. I want to be part of that legacy.”

That legacy includes greats like Ezekiel Elliott, J.K. Dobbins, and most recently, TreVeyon Henderson — and Cooper may be next in line to carry the torch. His junior year stats were eye-popping: over 2,300 rushing yards, 28 touchdowns, and multiple games with over 200 yards on the ground. Recruiters rave about his ability to explode through the second level, shed tackles, and finish runs with authority.

What separates Cooper from other backs in his class is not just raw athleticism, but football IQ. He displays remarkable patience behind the line, sets up blocks like a veteran, and has natural instincts in tight spaces. Combine that with top-tier acceleration and durability, and it’s no wonder he’s considered a future All-American.

“He’s a program-changer,” said 247Sports national analyst Tom Loy. “Ohio State didn’t just land a top back — they landed the kind of player who could be the face of their offense in a couple of years.”

Cooper is the crown jewel of what is shaping up to be an elite 2026 recruiting class for the Buckeyes. His commitment sends a clear message: Ohio State continues to be a premier destination for top-tier talent, particularly on offense.

With NIL opportunities growing, and with the College Football Playoff expanding, Ohio State’s ability to attract elite recruits like Cooper is more important than ever. This commitment boosts the Buckeyes’ national standing and adds firepower to an already loaded roster.

For Buckeye fans, the future just got a lot brighter — and Derrek Cooper is the name you’ll want to remember.