As the 2026 college football recruiting cycle heats up, one of the hottest names on the board is five-star running back Derrek Cooper. Hailing from Hollywood, Florida, and starring at powerhouse Chaminade-Madonna Prep, Cooper is one of the most dynamic offensive prospects in the nation.
According to a recent Rivals report, the Miami Hurricanes are currently the frontrunners in his recruitment — a development that could reshape the future of the Canes’ backfield. The prediction, written by Adam Gorney, offers a glimmer of hope for the Hurricanes as they are up against just about every school in the nation for Cooper.
Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 195 pounds, Cooper is the epitome of a modern all-purpose back. He combines elite speed with a natural ability to catch passes out of the backfield. In his junior season at Chaminade-Madonna, Cooper rushed for over 900 yards and scored 14 touchdowns, while also contributing significantly in the passing game.
Despite offers from national powerhouses such as Alabama, Georgia, Texas, and Ohio State, Cooper’s recruitment could take on a more local flavor. Cooper plays just 30 minutes from Miami’s Coral Gables campus. The Hurricanes’ coaching staff has cultivated a strong relationship with Chaminade-Madonna, which has sent several recruits to Miami in recent years. Cooper has a visit lined up with the Hurricanes next week and that will be a time that Cristobal will want to make a good impression.
Gorney mentions that as Cooper's recruitment continues on, it is still tough to tell who is truly in the lead. This comment is the context for choosing Miami:
"Getting a great read on Cooper’s recruitment is getting a little tougher as some major programs make a serious push. The five-star all-purpose back just returned from an excellent visit to Auburn as the Tigers are trying to push even higher in his recruitment. The Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna standout heads to Miami this weekend and then goes to Alabama, Georgia and Ohio State. Texas is working on getting a trip as well after a strong visit to Austin recently."Adam Gorney
With Miami looking to reload its backfield in 2026, Cooper could have a pathway to early playing time. That potential, paired with Miami’s evolving offensive scheme, adds appeal for an all-purpose back seeking a high-usage role.