Ohio State will have the chance to impress a key five-star running back recruit when facing Michigan

Ohio State’s season has started exactly how they would like it to and need it to with a 3-0 start. The Buckeyes have not been tested yet and will open up Big Ten play on Saturday against Michigan State.

There is no secret that things have to turn out for the Buckeyes this year. The goal is as always, to beat Michigan and compete for it all. But with the roster they have put together this season, they may be even bigger if that is possible.

Speaking of Michigan, who is 3-1 on the season. When the Buckeyes host them in November, they will also host one of the very best players in the country when it comes to the class of 2026.

Five-star ATH Derrek Cooper out of Chaminade-Madonna will visit Columbus on Nov. 30 when Ohio State plays Michigan, A to Z Sports can confirm. Cooper is a major target for the Buckeyes and quite the running back talent out of Florida.

According to the 247 Sports’ Composite rankings , Cooper is the No. 16 player in the country and the No. ATH. He was at one time a Georgia commit and holds offers from LSU, Auburn, Miami, and Tennessee, amongst others.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound running back was teammates with Ohio State freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith in Florida and is being recruited by running backs coach Carlos Locklyn. Cooper pulled his commitment from Georgia back in June, Ohio State offered in May.

A to Z Sports spoke to Cooper and he said he looks forward to this visit to continue getting to know Ohio State running backs coach Carlos Locklyn.

“They play freshmen, win games, and have great fans. It’s just to continue to build that relationship,” Cooper said to A to Z Sports.

Currently, Ohio State has one commit in the class of 2026 but they’re beginning to turn up the heat on that class with things pretty much done in the current class. The Buckeyes just have to get the verbal signees to National Signing Day for 2025, which shouldn’t be an issue for the most part.

When it comes to 2026, Cooper should be a player that the Buckeyes are in the mix for when it comes down to the end. Currently, Miami is the school most connected to him due to its location. However, the Buckeyes could have plenty to offer him.

Related: While Ohio State is winning on the field, worry is growing that a five-star commit could flip to SEC school