COLUMBUS, Ohio — Five-star 2026 running back Derrek Cooper committed to Texas on Sunday evening, announcing that he’ll stay south rather than join Ohio State.
The Florida running back who attends Chaminade-Madonna Prep in South Florida is the No. 29 overall prospect in the 247Sports composite rankings. He’s also the No. 2 running back in the class.
Cooper took an official visit to Ohio State on June 20, but the Buckeyes might indeed just stick with one running back in the 2026 class.
The Buckeyes have four-star running back Favour Akih, who attends nearby Delaware Hayes High School, already committed in the class. And, after taking three running backs in the 2025 cycle (Bo Jackson, Isaiah West and Anthony “Turbo” Rogers) Ohio State could handle only adding one running back this year.
Five-star running back Savion Hiter is still left uncommitted, but the Buckeyes would feel comfortable with running backs coach Carlos Lockyn adding just Akih this cycle.
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