Derrek Cooper's July 20 Commitment: Georgia's Recruiting Showdown!

DeBary, Florida, USA - Excitement is brewing in college football recruiting circles as five-star running back Derrek Cooper prepares to make a decision that could shake up the landscape. Cooper is a highly coveted recruit for the 2026 cycle, currently weighing his options among some of the biggest programs in the nation, including Georgia, Florida State, Texas, Ohio State, and Miami (FL). The official announcement is set for July 20, 2025, at 7 p.m. According to Dawn of the Dawg, Cooper’s announcement was initially slated for July 12, but he postponed it without any explanation, setting off alarm bells for Georgia fans who viewed their team as the favorite before the delay.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his decision, reports indicate that Georgia may still hold a slight lead in the race to land Cooper. Insider Matt Debary reassures that the Bulldogs remain in a favorable position, with both Miami and Texas closely trailing. Cooper experienced official visits at several schools over the past two months, including stops at Auburn, Miami, Alabama, Georgia, Florida State, and Ohio State. Although Alabama was on his visit list, it didn’t make the final cut for his top five, while Texas, despite missing a visit, is still firmly in the mix, as reported by Saturday Down South.

What Sets Derrek Cooper Apart?

Cooper’s performance in his junior year showcased his elite skills: he amassed 905 rushing yards on 124 carries, scoring an impressive 13 touchdowns, and caught 9 passes for an additional 156 yards and 1 touchdown. At 247Sports, he is currently ranked as the No. 20 player in the nation. His classification as an athlete suggests significant versatility, although he plans to play running back at the collegiate level.

The recruitment of five-star prospects like Cooper is heating up as the college football landscape nears the crucial July and August recruiting period. Programs in the SEC and Big Ten are pulling out all stops to secure the best talent, and Cooper has undoubtedly become a focal point in this fierce competition, as noted by SI/FanNation. Georgia has also set its sights on three other five-star recruits but views Cooper as the most vital addition. Imagine pairing him with the five-star quarterback Jared Curtis—now that could really spice up Georgia’s offensive repertoire for years to come.

As the countdown continues to Cooper’s decision, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching which way the wind blows. Will Georgia reaffirm its status as a powerhouse, or will another contender steal the spotlight? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: on July 20, we’ll find out if all the buzz and speculation results in a commitment worth celebrating.