Priority 5-star Miami target makes it clear the Canes are in the hunt to flip him

The biggest win of Mario Cristobal’s Miami tenure may have moved the needle with one of the nation’s elite seniors. Derrek Cooper — a Texas verbal commit and 247Sports No. 3 running back in the 2026 class — told Rivals/On3, “They are still on my radar,” when discussing Miami. The comments came after Miami's 27-24 win over Notre Dame.

Cooper, who committed to the Longhorns on July 20, was in the building Sunday night and keyed in on how Miami deployed its backs. The Hurricanes rotated Mark Fletcher Jr. (15 carries, 66 yards), CharMar Brown (15 carries, 54 yards, TD) and Jordan Lyle (5 carries, 11 yards) for a 35-carry, 131-yard workload. Miami’s team rushing total finished at 119 yards on 38 attempts, with possession and ball security helping the Canes close. The Longhorns remain the team to beat, but Miami’s performance is a good selling point.

Miami protected the football (0 turnovers to ND’s 2), controlled pace (33:57 time of possession), and closed with defense — two late sacks — after Carter Davis’ 47-yard go-ahead field goal. Quarterback Carson Beck went 20-of-31 for 205 yards and 2 TDs, while freshman Malachi Toney led with 6 catches for 82 yards and a score. Other recruits outside of Cooper most likely took notice of the performance.

On top of the three backs used on Sunday night, the Canes have other talents in the fold. Miami has held a commitment from 2026 four-star RB Javion Mallory since March 22 and four-star RB Girard Pringle Jr. signed with Miami in the 2025 class. In the 2024 high school season, Cooper had 124 carries for 905 yards and 13 touchdowns, as well as nine catches for 156 yards and two TD's.

Nothing about Cooper’s commitment officially changed this week, but momentum is building. Expect continued contact from Coral Gables, and at minimum, the Hurricanes earned a second look.