With Cooper’s commitment, Alabama once again reinforces its reputation as the premier destination for top-tier college football talent.
In a move that sent shockwaves through
the college football world, five-star
quarterback Derek Cooper, one of the
most coveted recruits in the 2025 class,
has committed to Alabama. The
Chaminade-Madonna High School star
chose the Crimson Tide over a list of
powerhouse programs, including
Georgia, Florida State, Ohio State,
Auburn, and several others.
Cooper, known for his elite arm talent,
quick decision-making, and dual-threat
capabilities, has long been regarded as
one of the top quarterback prospects in
the country. His commitment to Alabama
not only bolsters the Tide’s future at the
position but also deals a major blow to
rival programs that were hoping to land
the dynamic signal-caller.
Why Cooper Chose Alabama.
The recruiting battle for Cooper was
intense, with multiple top-tier programs
making aggressive pushes to secure his
pledge. Georgia, fresh off back-to-back
national championships, pitched their
elite defense and offensive system as a
perfect fit for Cooper’s skill set. Florida
State offered the allure of returning to
national prominence with Cooper as
their centerpiece. Ohio State, known for
developing quarterbacks into NFL stars,
made a strong case as well.
However, in the end, Alabama’s winning
culture, offensive system, and
quarterback development history proved
too much to resist. The Tide’s track
record of producing NFL-caliber
quarterbacks—including Bryce Young,
Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Jalen
Hurts—played a significant role in
Cooper’s decision.
“The tradition at Alabama speaks for
itself,” Cooper said after making his
announcement. “I wanted to go
somewhere that would prepare me for
the next level, and Alabama felt like the
perfect fit. Coach Kalen DeBoer’s
offensive system really excites me, and I
can’t wait to be a part of it.”
What This Means for Alabama.
With Cooper in the fold, Alabama secures
a game-changing talent at the most
important position in football. His ability
to extend plays, read defenses, and make
all the necessary throws positions him as
a potential early impact player for the
Crimson Tide.
Alabama’s quarterback room has been a
hot topic in recent years, with several
highly rated players competing for
playing time. Cooper’s arrival will add
even more competition, but his skill set
makes him a legitimate contender for the
starting job as soon as he steps on
campus.
His commitment also strengthens
Alabama’s already impressive 2025
recruiting class, which continues to
shape up as one of the best in the
country. As the Tide transition into a new
era under Coach DeBoer, landing a
quarterback of Cooper’s caliber is a
major statement that Alabama remains a
dominant force in college football.
Ripple Effects on the Recruiting Landscape.
Cooper’s decision to roll with the Tide
leaves several top programs scrambling
to adjust their quarterback recruiting
strategies. Georgia, Florida State, and
Ohio State were all hoping to secure his
commitment, and now they’ll need to
pivot toward other targets to fill their
quarterback needs for 2025.
For Alabama, the focus will now shift
toward surrounding Cooper with top-tier
talent at wide receiver and offensive line
to ensure he has the best possible
supporting cast when he arrives in
Tuscaloosa.
Looking Ahead.
With his recruitment officially over,
Cooper can now turn his attention to
finishing his high school career strong
and preparing for the next level.
Expectations will be sky-high for him as
he enters Alabama’s program, but if his
high school career is any indication, he
has the talent, work ethic, and mindset to
live up to the hype.
As the next potential face of Alabama
football, Derek Cooper’s journey is just
beginning. And with his commitment,
the Crimson Tide continue to prove that
they are still the gold standard in college
football recruiting.
