Georgia received a commitment from Derrek Cooper, a top-ranked athlete in the 2026 class, but his commitment to the Bulldogs was brief. Cooper, a standout from Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, initially chose Georgia over offers from several other top programs, including Florida State and Miami.
Cooper is highly regarded as the No. 2 athlete and No. 25 overall prospect in the 2026 recruiting cycle. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 190 pounds, he has been noted for his versatility and impressive athleticism. Despite his short-lived commitment to Georgia, Cooper expressed significant interest in the program, citing the coaching staff, facilities, and the overall environment in Athens as major factors in his decision.
However, within days of his initial commitment, Cooper decided to reopen his recruitment, indicating that he wants to ensure he makes the best possible decision for his future. His recruitment journey highlights the competitive nature of college football recruiting, especially for elite prospects like Cooper.
Cooper’s decision to decommit shortly after pledging to Georgia underscores the importance of the recruiting process for young athletes. Many factors contribute to their final decisions, including coaching stability, development opportunities, and personal comfort with the school environment. For Georgia, landing and then losing such a high-profile recruit is a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of college football recruiting, where verbal commitments can often be fluid.
Cooper’s brief commitment to Georgia will keep the Bulldogs’ coaching staff on their toes as they continue to pursue top talent for their future rosters. Meanwhile, Cooper will likely be closely watched by several other top programs eager to secure his commitment
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