AUSTIN (KXAN) — The No. 1 running back, according to ESPN's recruiting rankings, in the 2026 class committed to the Texas Longhorns on Sunday, propelling Texas' class into the top tier of the 2026 team recruiting rankings.

Hollywood, Florida running back Derrek Cooper hosted a live commitment ceremony Sunday afternoon, with hats for Ohio State, Florida State, Georgia, Miami and Texas sitting in front of him. Cooper ultimately chose the Longhorns after a reported back-and-forth battle between UT and UGA.

Cooper's pledge continues Texas' bonafide recruiting momentum this summer. Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns are up to No. 4 in On3's team rankings and No. 5 in 247Sports' rankings.

Texas lost out on some recruits in early July, but rallied with July commitments from On3's top 2026 lineb

See Full Page