Ohio State, Ryan Day Receive Big Recruiting News on Elite RB

As we head into the dog days of the summer, the 2026 recruiting trail continues to heat up for the Ohio State Buckeyes and head coach Ryan Day.

Rivals' Hayes Fawcett reported on Sunday that 2026 five-star running back Derrek Cooper is down to five schools, with the Buckeyes being in the mix for the young talent.

Elite 2026 RB Derrek Cooper recently named his Top 5 Schools: Texas, Ohio State, Miami, Florida State, & Georgia

The No. 3 RB in the ‘26 Class will commit July 20th

He discusses his finalists & names 2 teams standing out 👀

Intel: https://t.co/nRKm5GpYbV pic.twitter.com/PJu2mEyEwQ
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) July 13, 2025

Cooper is the No. 2 prospect in the state of Florida, as well as the No. 30 recruit in the 2026 class, according to 247Sports' Composite Ratings. The 6-foot-1, 205 lbs. standout is coming off an impressive junior season at Chaminade-Madonna High School, rushing for 905 yards and 13 touchdowns on 124 carries while also seeing time on defense as a linebacker and safety. His efforts were recognized in earlier this year, as Cooper landed a spot in the Under Armour All-America Game.

Despite the loads of talent in Day's 2026 recruiting class, the group features only one running back commit in four-star Favour Akih. If the Buckeyes were able to land Cooper, he would become the third five-star prospect for Day in the 2026 cycle, alongside wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. and safety Blaine Bradford.

However, Ohio State will have to battle against the Miami Hurricanes for the Florida product. 247Sports' Gaby Urrutia gave Cooper an crystal ball prediction to land with head coach Mario Cristobal and the Hurricanes.

Cooper is scheduled to announce his commitment on Jul. 20, when he will choose between Ohio State, Miami, Texas, Georgia and Florida State.

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