With Nick Saban, the iconic figure of Alabama football, officially retired from coaching, Georgia football likely perceives an opportunity to firmly establish itself as a dominant force in the sport for the foreseeable future. This ambitious yet achievable goal starts with clinching a national championship in the 2024-25 season.
Maintaining dynasties requires forward-thinking, sometimes looking ahead a couple of years. Georgia Bulldogs are solidifying their future with commitments from standout recruits like four-star Derrek Cooper for the 2026 class, as reported by Hayes Fawcett of On3.com. This news follows the recent pledge from five-star linebacker Zayden Walker for the 2025 class.
Cooper appears to align perfectly with the Bulldogs’ long-term vision. “UGA is family, always has been, was really easy to make this decision!” he remarked, according to Fawcett. He has opted for Georgia over notable contenders such as Miami, Florida State, LSU, and Alabama.
Standing at 6 feet 1 inch, Cooper, hailing from Hollywood, Florida’s Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School, is classified as an athlete rather than being tied to a specific position. Excelling on both offense and defense, his remarkable versatility has propelled him into the top 25 of his recruiting class, capturing Georgia’s attention in the process.
Derrek Cooper intends to transition into a regular running back eventually, as indicated by On3’s Chad Simmons. This position group has historically thrived in Athens. Georgia envisions Cooper carrying the ball out of the backfield at a time when they aim to reaffirm themselves as the indisputable powerhouse in the NCAA.
Georgia football is on the hunt for more bling
Although the Bulldogs were left out of the 2024 College Football Playoff following their SEC Championship loss to the Crimson Tide, few doubted their claim to being one of the four best teams in the country. While Georgia was shaky at times, it frequently reminded people of its capabilities with shellackings of Kentucky, Ole Miss and Tennessee. A 63-3 laugher against a shorthanded Florida State squad should be viewed with some skepticism, but the Dawgs nonetheless flaunted their superiority.
The recently expanded 12-team College Football Playoff bracket provides Smart and his team with some flexibility, allowing them to potentially withstand one or even two setbacks on their record. These favorable conditions set the stage for Georgia football to contend for their third national championship in four years.
Derrek Cooper, alongside a talented group of prospects, is poised to contribute to the excitement in the upcoming years. The Bulldogs’ quest for vengeance marches onward.
