Breaking: 5-Star RB Signed by Ohio State Derrek Cooper With his quick acceleration, keen vision, and muscular rushing style, the No. 3 RB in 2026 provides

Breaking: 5-Star RB Derrek Cooper Signs with Ohio State

In a significant moment for Ohio State football, the Buckeyes have officially signed 5-star running back Derrek Cooper, the No. 3 ranked RB in the 2026 recruiting class. The announcement has sent ripples through the college football world, as Cooper’s talents and potential are seen as the perfect addition to a storied Ohio State backfield.

The Rise of Derrek Cooper: A Brief Overview

Derrek Cooper’s journey to becoming one of the most sought-after recruits in the country has been nothing short of remarkable. Hailing from a small town but with a big-time game, Cooper has spent the past several years elevating his status in high school football to a national level. His ability to combine speed, power, and vision has allowed him to showcase a complete skill set that has impressed scouts and coaches at every level.

At 6’1” and 215 pounds, Cooper is built like an NFL running back even before stepping foot on the college field. But it’s not just his size that makes him special—Cooper has the unique ability to change direction in an instant and accelerate to top speed faster than most players in the nation. His combination of speed and power makes him a versatile back who can break tackles in the open field or churn out tough yards between the tackles.

Why Ohio State? The Perfect Fit

The signing of Cooper is a huge victory for Ohio State’s recruiting efforts. While the Buckeyes have consistently fielded talented running backs over the years, Cooper’s skill set adds a new dimension to an already impressive running back room. In particular, Cooper’s combination of speed, power, and vision is rare, and Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and his staff are excited to build their offense around his unique abilities.

Ohio State has long been a premier destination for top-tier running backs, and Derrek Cooper is poised to follow in the footsteps of players like Ezekiel Elliott, J.K. Dobbins, and TreVeyon Henderson. Each of these backs not only succeeded at Ohio State but also made a significant impact in the NFL. Cooper has the potential to be the next great Buckeye running back to make that transition to the pros.

One of the key reasons for Cooper’s decision to sign with Ohio State is the program’s track record of developing elite talent. From Day to former head coach Urban Meyer, the Buckeyes have consistently been at the forefront of recruiting top-tier players and helping them succeed both on and off the field. Additionally, Ohio State’s offensive line play has historically been among the best in the country, providing running backs with the space they need to excel.

It’s no secret that a dominant offensive line is crucial to the success of a running back, and Ohio State’s ability to produce consistent line play has certainly been a factor in Cooper’s commitment. With the Buckeyes having one of the strongest recruiting classes in 2026, the offensive line is expected to be a force, providing Cooper with the support he needs to showcase his talents.

Moreover, Cooper’s decision to commit to Ohio State was influenced by the offensive system that Ryan Day runs. Known for his up-tempo, pass-heavy offense, Day has also made it a priority to maintain a balanced attack, keeping defenses on their toes. His ability to adapt his play-calling to maximize the strengths of his players has been a hallmark of his tenure, and that flexibility is something that appeals to top recruits like Cooper.

Breaking Down Cooper’s Skill Set: What Makes Him Special?

Cooper’s recruitment has generated a lot of buzz due to his impressive skill set. While most recruits are known for excelling in one or two areas, Cooper has demonstrated a well-rounded game that makes him an all-around threat.

Quick Acceleration and Top-End Speed

One of Cooper’s most impressive traits is his quick burst of acceleration. Once he finds a gap or breaks into the open field, Cooper is known for quickly shifting gears, turning a small gain into a huge play. His explosiveness allows him to outpace defenders, and once he’s in the open field, few players can catch him. His top-end speed is more than just a function of his athleticism—it’s a product of his ability to anticipate and accelerate into space with incredible fluidity.

Vision and Patience

What sets Cooper apart from many running backs is his ability to read defenses and set up his blocks. Cooper’s vision in the backfield allows him to patiently wait for plays to develop before hitting the hole with authority. He doesn’t force the issue, instead opting for an approach that combines careful decision-making with explosiveness when the moment calls for it. His patience allows him to make sharp cuts and find lanes where others might not see an opportunity.

Cooper’s vision is complemented by his ability to maintain his balance while reading the defense. This, combined with his innate football IQ, allows him to avoid tacklers and find the best possible yardage after contact. It’s a rare trait in a high school running back, and it makes him stand out as a future star.

Power and Strength

While his quickness and speed are impressive, Cooper is no slouch when it comes to powering through tacklers. His frame allows him to absorb contact and shed defenders with relative ease. Cooper’s strength is an asset, particularly in short-yardage situations or when breaking free on longer runs. His ability to lower his shoulders and plow forward is something that will translate well to college football, where defenders are often bigger and faster than what he faced in high school.

Whether it’s powering through a tackler on a critical third down or plowing forward for extra yards after contact, Cooper’s physicality makes him a tough player to bring down. His mix of strength and speed allows him to be a balanced back who can be effective in a variety of situations.

Receiving Ability

Although Cooper is primarily known for his running abilities, he’s also an impressive receiver out of the backfield. His hands are soft, and his ability to make catches on swing passes and screens adds another dimension to his game. In today’s modern spread offenses, having a running back who can be a threat both as a runner and as a receiver is crucial. Ohio State has increasingly leaned on their running backs to be involved in the passing game, and Cooper’s ability to contribute in this area makes him even more valuable to the offense.

Durability and Conditioning

Cooper has also shown a level of durability that suggests he will be able to handle the physical demands of college football. Throughout his high school career, he has taken on a heavy workload, proving that he can maintain a high level of performance while shouldering the load. His conditioning and ability to withstand the physicality of the position will be crucial in college, where the speed of the game is faster, and the level of competition is much tougher.

Cooper’s ability to handle long drives and wear down defenders with his strength and agility makes him a dangerous weapon for any offense, especially one that has the supporting cast Ohio State boasts.

What Does the Future Hold for Cooper at Ohio State?

Now that Cooper has signed with Ohio State, the next step is for him to make the transition to the college game. It’s clear that the Buckeyes are getting an incredibly talented player who will have an immediate impact in their offense. However, making the leap from high school to college is always a challenge, especially in a program as storied as Ohio State’s. The coaching staff will need to work with Cooper to help him refine his skills further, particularly as it relates to blocking schemes, ball security, and the finer points of the game.

With Ohio State’s established pedigree of developing elite running backs, Cooper will be in good hands. But the real question is how quickly he will acclimate to the college game. With Ohio State’s elite offensive line and explosive offensive system, there’s no doubt that Cooper will see plenty of opportunities to make an impact early on. Whether it’s carrying the ball or contributing in the passing game, Cooper will likely be a key part of Ohio State’s offense as soon as he steps on the field.

Derrek Cooper’s commitment to Ohio State represents more than just the signing of a highly ranked recruit—it signals the beginning of a new era for the Buckeyes’ backfield. With his quick acceleration, keen vision, muscular rushing style, and versatility as a receiver, Cooper has the potential to be one of the most dynamic running backs in college football.

Ohio State’s tradition of producing elite running backs continues, and with the addition of Cooper, the Buckeyes have a player who has all the tools to become a future star in both college football and the NFL. Fans are eager to see how Cooper will fit into the offense and what kind of impact he will have in the years to come. One thing is for certain: Derrek Cooper’s signing is a major milestone for Ohio State and a significant moment in the 2026 recruiting class. The Buckeyes have landed a game-changer, and it’s only a matter of time before Cooper begins to leave his mark on the college football world.