Texas jumps to No. 4 in the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings after landing elite RB Derrek Cooper🤘
The Texas Longhorns are officially one of the top contenders on the recruiting trail, and their latest addition only reinforces that. With the commitment of elite running back Derrek Cooper, the Longhorns have skyrocketed to No. 4 in the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings for the 2026 class. Cooper, one of the top running backs in the country, is a significant pickup that positions Texas among the recruiting elite as they continue to build a championship-caliber program.
Texas has long been a blue-blood program in college football, but in recent years, head coach Steve Sarkisian has ramped up recruiting efforts to return the program to national relevance. The commitment of Cooper not only bolsters the Longhorns’ already impressive 2026 class, but it also signals to the rest of the college football world that Texas is back and ready to compete at the highest levels.
With Cooper’s commitment, Texas is securing a versatile, dynamic back who could be the centerpiece of their offense for years to come. His decision to choose Texas over a long list of other top-tier programs is a testament to the Longhorns’ upward trajectory under Sarkisian’s leadership. The Longhorns have placed an emphasis on recruiting top talent to build a roster capable of competing in the SEC and beyond, and Cooper is the latest piece in what is quickly becoming a loaded recruiting class.
Out of DeSoto, Texas, Cooper is widely regarded as one of the top running backs in the 2026 class. At 6’0″ and 215 pounds, Cooper combines ideal size with exceptional speed and agility. He’s a well-rounded back with the ability to both run between the tackles and make explosive plays on the outside. His ability to change direction on a dime, paired with his vision and burst, make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Whether it’s hitting a hole with power or taking a swing pass and turning it into a long gain, Cooper has the skill set to make an immediate impact at the next level.
What makes Cooper such an intriguing prospect is his ability to do more than just run the ball. He has excellent hands and can be a weapon in the passing game, something that has become increasingly important in modern college football. Cooper’s versatility makes him an ideal fit for the Texas offense, which emphasizes both power running and spreading the field to make explosive plays in the passing game.
Cooper’s high school career has been marked by consistent dominance on the field. He’s put up impressive numbers year after year, leading DeSoto to multiple deep playoff runs and earning All-State honors along the way. His blend of size, vision, and speed makes him one of the most well-rounded running backs in the country, and he was highly coveted by some of the best programs in the nation.
With the addition of Cooper, Texas has now solidified its position as a top contender in the 2026 recruiting class. The Longhorns have not only added a top-tier running back but have also landed several other elite prospects, giving them one of the most well-rounded classes in the nation.
As of now, the Longhorns’ 2026 class includes the nation’s No. 1 quarterback, Dia Bell, a highly sought-after No. 1 linebacker, Tyler Atkinson, and the No. 1 defensive lineman in the country, JJ Johnson. Texas also boasts the No. 3 EDGE rusher, Richard Wesley, further solidifying the foundation of what could be an incredibly balanced and dominant team in the coming years.
The depth and talent Texas is bringing in speaks volumes about the vision and direction of the program under Sarkisian’s leadership. After a series of strong recruiting classes and with the addition of Cooper, it’s clear that Texas is positioning itself as a powerhouse in the SEC. The Longhorns are not just recruiting talented players—they are recruiting players who can step in and contribute immediately, whether on offense, defense, or special teams. The program is building a roster that is not only elite but deep, something that is crucial in the ever-evolving landscape of college football.
One of the major reasons why Cooper’s commitment to Texas is so significant is his fit within Sarkisian’s offense. The Longhorns have had a varied offensive identity under Sarkisian, which has leaned heavily on a powerful rushing attack, an explosive passing game, and versatile athletes who can contribute in multiple ways. Cooper, with his all-around skill set, aligns perfectly with Sarkisian’s vision for the offense.
At Texas, Cooper will likely be used as a three-down back, handling both the rushing duties and pass-catching responsibilities. His ability to run between the tackles, combined with his ability to bounce outside, makes him an ideal fit for the varied run schemes Sarkisian employs. Additionally, Cooper’s hands out of the backfield will be crucial for Texas, as the Longhorns often look to get running backs involved in the passing game in space. Whether it’s on screen passes, swing routes, or even running wheel routes down the sideline, Cooper has the ability to make big plays in the air as well as on the ground.
Sarkisian’s offense is also built around creating matchups in the open field, something that Cooper can exploit. As defenses key in on Texas’ passing attack, Cooper will be able to find running lanes or catch passes that force opposing defenders to make quick decisions. His vision and decisiveness make him a perfect fit in a system that values versatility and dynamic playmakers at every position.
With the long-term development of Bell at quarterback and Cooper as the centerpiece of the backfield, Texas is setting itself up for an offense that can score in a variety of ways. The combination of Bell’s arm and Cooper’s legs could be a lethal one-two punch that keeps defenses guessing and spreads them thin. Having a balanced offensive attack with threats both through the air and on the ground will make Texas even more difficult to defend in the future.
The commitment of Derrek Cooper is just the latest sign that Texas is once again becoming a recruiting powerhouse. The Longhorns have made a habit of landing top-tier talent over the past few years, and the 2026 class is no exception. With several key players already committed, the Longhorns are building one of the best classes in the nation, and this momentum is only expected to grow.
While Cooper is the biggest name in this class, Texas’ recruiting success isn’t just limited to the running back position. As mentioned earlier, the Longhorns have commitments from some of the top-ranked players at nearly every position group. With Bell at quarterback, Atkinson at linebacker, Johnson on the defensive line, and Wesley rushing the passer, Texas has the makings of an elite team across the board. But what’s even more exciting is that the Longhorns aren’t done yet.
There’s still time for Texas to add even more star power to this class, and with the success of recent recruiting efforts, it’s clear that Sarkisian and his staff are not just looking for good players—they’re looking for the right players to fit their vision. This class is built around the foundation of players who fit the system, possess the right mindset, and have the potential to develop into future stars. As the Longhorns continue to add top talent, they will only strengthen their already promising future in the SEC.
The commitment of Derrek Cooper also reflects the growing confidence in the Texas program. In the past, the Longhorns have been a powerhouse in college football, but recent seasons have seen the program struggle to find consistent success. However, with the emergence of Sarkisian as head coach and the addition of elite talent like Cooper, Texas is poised for a major resurgence in both recruiting and on-field performance.
Looking ahead, the Texas Longhorns are preparing for their move to the SEC in the coming years. With the rise of powerhouse programs in the SEC, Texas will need to continue to recruit at an elite level to compete with the likes of Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. The 2026 class is crucial in this regard, as it not only helps Texas build a strong foundation for future seasons but also positions the program to compete with the best teams in college football.
As Texas moves into a new era of SEC football, having a talented, balanced roster is going to be essential. With the addition of players like Cooper and others in this recruiting class, the Longhorns will have the depth and talent to compete for national championships. The combination of a top-tier quarterback, an elite running back, a ferocious pass rush, and a solid defense provides Texas with the kind of roster needed to compete at the highest level.
The Texas Longhorns have officially re-established themselves as a powerhouse in college football recruiting, and the commitment of elite running back Derrek Cooper is a massive win for the program. With Cooper, Texas continues to add star power to an already loaded 2026 class, which includes some of the top-ranked players in the country. As a result, the Longhorns have jumped to No. 4 in the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings, signaling that they are once again among the nation’s elite.
With a deep and talented roster continuing to take shape, the future is incredibly bright for Texas. The combination of a top-ranked quarterback, a dynamic running back, an elite linebacker, and one of the best defensive lines in the country sets the stage for Texas to be a serious contender for years to come. As the Longhorns prepare for their transition to the SEC, the pieces are falling into place to ensure that they not only compete but thrive in one of the toughest conferences in college football.
In short, Texas is back, and with Derrek Cooper in the fold, the Longhorns are set to be a dominant force on the national stage.
