Can Georgia Still Land Five-Star Running Back Derrek Cooper?

One of the top priorities for Georgia football in the 2026 recruiting class is five-star running back Derrek Cooper. He was initially set to announce his college decision on July 12, and many believed Georgia was the favorite. However, Cooper has now postponed his commitment, saying he’s no longer sure when he’ll make his final choice.

This unexpected change could be concerning for Georgia, as it’s unclear whether they still hold the edge in his recruitment. That said, a recent interview Cooper gave to DawgNation’s Jeff Sentell offers reasons for optimism among Bulldogs fans.

Cooper revealed his list of finalists, which includes Georgia, Ohio State, Miami (FL), Florida State, and Texas. The absence of Alabama—a school that had been aggressively pursuing him—could be a positive sign for Georgia, as it removes a major SEC rival from the equation.

A key factor in Cooper’s decision will be the relationships he’s built with coaching staffs. He specifically mentioned strong ties with Georgia’s running backs coach Josh Crawford and head coach Kirby Smart.

“I’ve built an amazing relationship with Coach Crawford and Coach Smart,” Cooper said. “It feels like family there. They always stay in touch, check in on me, and make sure I’m doing well.”

Perhaps the most encouraging sign for Georgia is the message Kirby Smart gave Cooper during his last visit to Athens:

“We want you bad. We’re going to do whatever it takes to get you.”

For Georgia, that kind of talent and attitude from Cooper would be a huge boost. Now it’s just a matter of whether they can close the deal.