As of January 30, 2025, there is no available information indicating that Derek Cooper, a five-star athlete from Chaminade-Madonna High School in Hollywood, Florida, has committed to the University of Alabama’s football program. Cooper, standing at 6’1″ and weighing 200 pounds, is recognized as a top-tier recruit in the 2026 class, excelling as both a running back and safety. His exceptional athleticism, power running, and pass-catching abilities have garnered attention from numerous elite college football programs.
Throughout his recruitment journey, Cooper has received offers from prestigious programs, including Georgia, Miami, Florida State, Auburn, Alabama, and Ohio State. He briefly committed to the University of Georgia in June 2024 but decommitted shortly after. Since then, he has kept his options open, planning multiple campus visits to evaluate his choices further.
In December 2024, Cooper expressed a strong interest in Alabama, stating that the university would “100 percent” receive an official visit from him. He highlighted the consistent communication from Alabama’s coaching staff and their clear desire to have him join their program. Cooper also noted that Alabama’s offensive scheme, particularly their utilization of running backs, aligns well with his skill set, making them one of his top choices.
As of now, Cooper has not made a definitive commitment to any university. He plans to take several official visits in the coming months, including to Alabama, Miami, and Georgia, to make a well-informed decision about his future. His recruitment remains highly competitive, with multiple top-tier programs actively vying for his commitment.
Given the dynamic nature of college football recruiting, it’s essential to stay updated through official announcements from the athlete or the universities involved. As of this date, any reports suggesting that Derek Cooper has committed to Alabama over Georgia are not supported by the available information.
