It’s that time of year again. The pads are off, the stadiums are quiet, but behind the scenes? Recruiting wars are hitting DEFCON 1. And right now, one name’s got every major program sweating—Derrek Cooper. The four-star running back out of Florida isn’t just playing the field; he’s owning it. With every trip, every handshake, and every visit, the picture of his future is getting clearer. And if you’re Ryan Day or Dan Lanning? Yeah, you might wanna start lighting some candles.

On February 3rd, Josh Newberg brought in Jeremy Johnson from DawgHQ to break it all down. Johnson didn’t mince words: “I talked to Derrek Cooper a couple weeks ago and he was like, man, Georgia feels like home. I mean, he’s just trying to make sure that’s what he wants to do and trying to make sure that he really can make it feel that way, and he’s been candid about how he feels about Georgia.” Now, let’s be real—“feels like home” is one of those phrases recruits throw around like confetti. But when Cooper says it about Georgia? That hits different. Especially since this isn’t just a passing crush—this man has been to Athens more times than some UGA students who actually go there.

Standing at 6’1”, 200 pounds, Derrek Cooper is a straight-up freight train out of Chaminade-Madonna College Prep in Fort Lauderdale. The No. 2-ranked RB in the 2026 cycle, he’s got that rare mix of size, vision, and speed that makes grown men on opposing defenses reconsider their life choices. Last season? 905 rushing yards, 13 TDs, averaging over seven yards a carry. And oh yeah, he’s got hands too—156 receiving yards and another score just for fun. If you’re looking for a do-it-all back, Cooper’s your guy.

Georgia, Miami, Auburn, Alabama, and Ohio State are the biggest sharks circling in the water, but if the vibe is to be believed, the Dawgs might already have their hooks in. Cooper hasn’t been shy about his love for Kirby Smart and company, saying, “I love everything about Georgia. The coaching staff is awesome, and my whole family loves Kirby Smart. Coach (Josh) Crawford and I talk almost every day, and I fit well into their offense as a running back.” Well, that’s a love letter if we’ve ever seen one!

But hold up—this ain’t over yet. Jeremy Johnson stated, “I mean, there’s a long way to go, obviously the home state, hometown team, Miami is a team to watch for sure, and Auburn is in there as well.” Miami’s lurking and On3’s predictor have them as the slight frontrunner with a 40.1% chance of locking Cooper down, with Georgia sitting at 25.2%. Auburn and Ohio State are hanging around at 9% and 7.4%, respectively, but let’s be honest—recruiting rankings are about as reliable as a mirage in the desert. One minute you’re locked in, the next you’re flipping on signing day. Miami has already gone full-court press, sending RB coach Matt Merritt and OC Shannon Dawson for a home visit last month.

Ohio State? They’re not out yet. Cooper was in Columbus for the Purdue game in Week 11, and Ryan Day has been working overtime trying to get him back up north. As for Oregon? Yeah, Lanning and company better get on the phone, because right now, they’re not even on the radar. And with Georgia leading the charge. The Bulldogs are making it clear—they’re not just trying to win the 2026 class. They’re trying to own it.

Kirby Smart & Georgia going all-in on 4-star Jordan Smith

Georgia ain’t just eating in the running back market. Nope, they’re also serving up some serious heat in the secondary, and four-star safety Jordan Smith is next on the menu. The Warner Robins, GA, native low-key ranked No. 58 overall and is the No. 6 safety in the 2026 cycle. But here’s the kicker—this man has already visited Athens four times. Four. And there’s only one official visit on his calendar right now: Georgia. You see where this is going?

Smith pulled up to Athens last weekend for Georgia’s second Junior Day, and the Dawgs rolled out the Bulldog red carpet. “It was a lot more 1-on-1 time, really,” he told 247Sports, and let’s be honest—that’s the type of attention that flips a recruit from ‘interested’ to ‘locked in.’ Kirby Smart and his staff don’t play around when they want a solid team player. When Georgia sets their sights on an in-state guy, it’s usually game over for everyone else.

Now, there’s still time for other schools to make a move, but the writing’s on the wall. When a guy like Smith is already visiting this much and only has one official locked in? It’s only a matter of time before the ink dries on that commitment letter. And given Georgia’s track record of turning defensive backs into NFL talent, who can blame him? Long story short, Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs are out here recruiting like they’re Thanos collecting Infinity Stones. Derrek Cooper? Jordan Smith? Boy, they finna at Athens. And while guys like Ryan Day and Dan Lanning are trying to keep up, it’s looking more and more like Georgia is setting the pace.

The recruiting trail is a wild ride, but right now, Georgia is driving the bus. Everybody else? They’re just trying to get a seat.