Derrek Cooper’s Hidden Running Back Rise | Texas Longhorns Football News

Texas Longhorns’ 2026 season could be defined by a quiet superstar: freshman running back Derrek Cooper. A four-star recruit with elite ball skills and surprising agility, Cooper is poised to make an immediate impact despite competition from transfers Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown. With no starting RB named yet, the coaching staff’s committee approach could give Cooper the carries—and even starts—he needs to shine. New RB coach Jabbar Juluke raves about Cooper’s physicality, intelligence, and quick playbook mastery. While 1,000 yards may be ambitious, Cooper’s potential mirrors Ohio State’s Bo Jackson—expect him to dominate early, starting at home against Texas State on Sept. 5. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/98fd449c776fc05a