Five-Star RB Derrek Cooper Set to Announce Commitment Sunday Night!

Hollywood, Florida, USA - In the thrilling world of college football recruitment, all eyes are on five-star running back prospect Derrek Cooper from Chaminade Madonna in Hollywood, Florida. As the date for his commitment looms closer, excitement among fans and eager schools continues to build. Cooper has finally set his commitment date for Sunday, July 20 at 7 p.m. ET, after initially planning to announce his decision on July 12 but opting for a delay instead. What’s brewing in Cooper’s mind as he approaches this pivotal moment?

Cooper is not just another athlete; he’s the top-ranked running back in the class of 2026 and is listed as the No. 12 prospect nationally, making him a hot commodity in the current recruiting landscape. At 6-foot-1 and weighing 205 pounds, he’s a formidable presence on the field. His performance last season was nothing short of outstanding; he propelled Chaminade-Madonna to a 13-2 record and a Florida 1A championship, racking up 905 rushing yards on just 124 carries, averaging 9.3 yards per rush, and scoring 13 rushing touchdowns. Additionally, he contributed with nine receptions for another 156 yards and a touchdown. Such statistics speak volumes about his capabilities and potential at the collegiate level.

The Top Contenders

As of now, Cooper’s top five contenders include the Miami Hurricanes, Georgia, Ohio State, Florida State, and Texas. Experts from Sports Illustrated suggest that Miami is favored to land Cooper, an encouraging sign for a program that’s aiming to strengthen its roster. Miami’s 2026 recruiting class currently ranks ninth nationally, and they’ve recently demonstrated an ability to compete fiercely against giants like Georgia, managing to flip two former Georgia commits this cycle.

Cooper has taken official visits to several of his top schools, including Georgia, where he visited in June. However, the lone contender he hasn’t visited yet is Texas, which makes one wonder if he’s saving the best for last. His brief commitment to Georgia last June, lasting under a week, adds an intriguing twist to his recruitment saga.

Rival Scouts Weigh In

As a local powerhouse, it’s no surprise that Miami has a strong advantage in this race, especially with predictions from both 247Sports and Rivals favoring the Hurricanes. According to Rivals, Cooper stands as the top recruit in Florida, underscoring the significance of his impending decision for the Hurricanes‘ future. Both fans and analysts are leaning into the hopes that he will choose Miami, given its compelling narrative of talent acquisition and competitive spirit in recruiting.

Cooper’s story is one that resonates deeply within the football community, not just for his athletic prowess but also for the promise he holds for whichever program is lucky enough to secure his commitment. As we await the announcement on July 20, it’s clear that this young athlete is not just making a choice; he’s shaping his future, one that promises to captivate us all.