Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of the Texas Longhorns, is on a mission to build a powerhouse team for the 2026 season. And he may have just landed one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle. Derrek Cooper, the top-ranked running back in the country and the 12th overall recruit according to On3, has narrowed down his list of offers to just five schools. And Texas is one of them.
This news has sent shockwaves through the college football world, with many experts and fans alike buzzing about the potential impact Cooper could have on the Longhorns’ program. And for good reason. Cooper is a rare talent, with a combination of speed, power, and agility that has made him a highly sought-after recruit.
But what makes this even more exciting for Texas fans is the fact that Sarkisian and his staff have managed to secure a spot in Cooper’s final five. This is no small feat, considering the competition they were up against. With a massive 32 offers on the table, Cooper had his pick of some of the top programs in the country. Yet, he chose Texas as one of his top choices.
This is a testament to the work that Sarkisian and his staff have been putting in on the recruiting trail. Since taking over as head coach in January, Sarkisian has made it clear that he wants to bring in top talent to build a championship-caliber team. And with the addition of Cooper, he is well on his way to achieving that goal.
But what exactly makes Cooper such a coveted recruit? For starters, his stats speak for themselves. In his junior season, he rushed for over 1,600 yards and 22 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 8.9 yards per carry. He also showed his versatility by catching 12 passes for 215 yards and three touchdowns. And he did all of this while playing against some of the toughest competition in the country.
But it’s not just his on-field performance that has caught the attention of college coaches. Cooper is also known for his strong work ethic and leadership skills. He is a team player who is always looking to improve and help his team win. This is exactly the type of player that Sarkisian is looking for to lead his team to success.
And with Texas being one of Cooper’s top choices, it’s clear that he sees the potential for greatness in the Longhorns’ program. Under Sarkisian’s leadership, Texas has already shown significant improvement, finishing the 2020 season with a 7-3 record and a win in the Alamo Bowl. With Cooper on board, the sky’s the limit for what this team can achieve in the coming years.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. While Texas is in a great position to land Cooper, they are still up against some tough competition. The other four schools on his list – Alabama, Ohio State, Georgia, and USC – are all powerhouse programs with a history of producing top NFL talent. But the fact that Texas is even in the conversation is a testament to the work that Sarkisian and his staff have put in.
And if they do manage to secure Cooper’s commitment, it will be a huge win not just for the Longhorns, but for the entire state of Texas. Cooper is a native of the Lone Star State, hailing from the city of Arlington. And there’s nothing quite like a homegrown talent staying in-state to play for one of the top college football programs in the country.
In conclusion, Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns have a golden opportunity to land one of the top recruits in the nation in Derrek Cooper. The fact that they are in his final five is a testament to the hard work and dedication that the coaching staff has put into building a championship-caliber team. And if they do manage to secure his commitment, it will be a huge boost for the program and a sign of great things to come for the Longhorns. The future is bright for Texas football, and Derrek Cooper could be the missing piece to take them to the top.
