Inside the Rivals Five-Star RB Showdown: Which Superstar Will Dominate Indianapolis?
When it comes to college football recruiting, the buzz can be nearly deafening — especially when a top-tier talent like Derrek Cooper is navigating his official visits. The South Florida phenom has been crisscrossing the country, checking out powerhouse programs from Georgia’s Bulldogs to Florida State Seminoles, with Alabama, Miami, Auburn, and others jockeying for position in a frantic last-minute scramble. Cooper’s recruitment has long been framed as a heavyweight duel between Miami and Georgia, but those back-to-back stops in Athens and Tallahassee might just toss a wrench into expectations about when and where he makes his next move. Is he about to pledge loyalty close to home with The U, or will Kirby Smart and his Bulldogs charm him into a second commitment? This crossroads isn’t just about Cooper; it’s also a showcase of the shifting landscape for running backs entering 2026 and beyond — where fresh faces, rising stars, and even a dynamic freshman hybrid threaten to shake up the rankings and redefine versatility on the field. Buckle up, because this recruiting saga is only just heating up.
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WILL DERREK COOPER BE OFF THE BOARD?
Cooper talked about coming off the board as early as this week in a recent conversation with Rivals, but the back-to-back stops in Athens and Tallahassee could present a potential wrench in those plans. Going into the latest visit stretch, the Cooper recruitment had long felt like a Miami-Georgia battle so those two programs will continue to hold the buzz until a verbal commitment is to be made. The elite running back recruit has been busy with his national official visit schedule, taking in Georgia over the weekend and Florida State into the early week. Alabama, Miami, Auburn and others hosted him prior and/or are looking to make a late run at the South Florida native. In a setting that values versatility and flash ability in space, which of the committed backs can challenge Cooper for a potential fifth star or run at the top of the position rankings?
SHUFFLE ATOP THE 2026 RANKINGS
Going into it, Osborne is the closest, currently tabbed as the No. 3 running back in the Rivals250.Cooper is the only five-star of the bunch to date, but Notre Dame commitment Javian Osborne, Ohio State pledge Favour Akih, future Florida back Carsyn Baker and spring USC commitment Deshonne Redeaux are each bringing a unique style to the event in addition to representing powerhouse college programs. Cowley has flashed in camp settings this offseason, even snagging running back MVP honors at the Under Armour Atlanta event, so expect the Alabama native to continue to work well against linebackers and defensive backs considering the indoor setting.While very few 2028 recruits were even under consideration for a Rivals Five-Star invite, IMG Academy’s Eric McFarland was on the list at multiple positions. The running back and wide receiver hybrid may become his own storyline if he continues to work out at each spot with the type of dominance he has shown over the last year or so no matter where he lines up.
A PAIR OF TOP 2027 PROSPECTS CRASHING THE PARTY
The rising-senior class is loaded and there is a special 2028 to participate with the running back group, but the top of the 2027 board will also be well-represented in Indy with top-ranked running back recruit Tyson Robinson and No. 1 all-purpose back CJ Cowley also signed up for the event. Will Cooper stay home with The U or make a second commitment to Kirby Smart and company?The event is not a padded setting, so McFarland’s ability to work away from contact coming out of the backfield, in the slot or otherwise will almost certainly turn heads. There isn’t a traditional back on the roster with the Las Vegas native’s chops as a route-runner or potential finisher at the catch point, so it would be foolish to overlook the speedy freshman’s value despite his youth.
THE ERIC MCFARLAND SHOW
Robinson, who holds more than 30 scholarship offers to his name, brings a traditional compact build to the table along with real intrigue coming out of the state of Mississippi in what could be a breakout national performance. Four of the nation’s top-10 running back projections in the class of 2026, as well as the top-ranked all-purpose back in the rising-senior class, will be hitting the field in Indianapolis together.
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