Ohio State Continues to Push for Florida Star Derrek Cooper

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — Ohio State has a plethora of options at running back in the 2026 recruiting class, but the Buckeyes have always been enamored with Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna star Derrek Cooper.

The 6-foot-1, 210-pound prospect is one of the nation’s top running backs with a skillset that ranges from power to speed to receiving ability. Cooper was back on campus during the spring as he continues to feel comfortable around the Ohio State program.

“It was good getting up to Columbus to speak with coach Locklyn and coach Day,” Cooper told BuckeyeHuddle.com. “Just getting back up there, chatting with them chatting with (Jeremiah Smith), seeing how he enjoys Ohio State.”

The relationship between Cooper and Ohio Staterunning backs coach Carlos Locklyn continues to strengthen as the two communicate on a daily basis.

“We chat probably every day,” Cooper explained. “We get on Face Time, talk about how we can get better, just getting one-percent better every day. Just chatting it up with him every day.”

Locklyn doesn’t hold any punches in his conversations with recruits and Cooper is appreciate of the fact that he doesn’t sugarcoat anything.

“He’s a great coach,” Cooper said. “He went over my film, just saying ‘how can we do this better, how can we get better at this’. He’s not one of those recruiting coaches, which I’m not looking for. I’m looking for a coach that’s going to get me to the next level.”

The Buckeyes are likely going to take two running backs in the 2026 class but do not currently have any commitments at the position. That could change this summer with several top targets coming to campus in June.

Cooper knows the Buckeyes are looking at several options and is completely open to being part of a multi-back class.

“That’s a plus,” Cooper said. “You want to be in a class with another great running back. You don’t want to get worn out.”

Check out more from one of the nation’s elite running back prospects as we go one-on-one with the South Florida star as part of our Southern Swing recruiting tour.