Tennessee will host 2027 prospect Cooper Witten on a visit during a recruiting event this weekend, according to a report from VolQuest’s Matt Ray on Tuesday.
Witten is the son of Tennessee and Dallas Cowboys legend Jason Witten.
While his name holds weight in conversation, his impressive recruiting ranking was built from his talent on the field.
On3 Sports’ Industry Rankings have Witten as a four-star linebacker in the 2027 class. He also ranks as the No. 19 prospect in the nation, the No. 1 linebacker in the class, and the No. 4 player from the state of Texas. 247Sports’ Composite Rankings have him listed as a five-star prospect and the No. 18 player in the nation.
The 6-foot-1 linebacker is a winner on the field. Coached by his father, Jason, Cooper Witten helped Liberty Christian High School (Argyle, TX) win back-to-back Texas State Championships in 2023 and 2024.
As a sophomore during the 2024 season, Witten recorded 45 tackles, one sack, five interceptions, two pick-sixes, six pass breakups, and a safety. He also tried his hand at some offensive snaps with 15 receptions for 263 yards and seven touchdowns, according to 247Sports’ Gabe Brooks.
“Athletic, physical, likely role-versatile second-level defensive piece who plays with a relentless motor,” Brooks wrote in an evaluation of Witten in April. “Natural football IQ, awareness, instincts, etc. are obvious on tape and on the elite camp circuit. Produced outstanding combine testing numbers in Spring 2025. Owns a uniquely strong football pedigree. Wants the ball and plays for the ball, as evidenced by impact production through two varsity seasons.”
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Even though the Vols boast an early connection through his father’s playing days, Tennessee will have to take out the top teams in the nation to land Witten’s services. The 2027 prospect already holds 25 scholarship offers, including Notre Dame, Nebraska, Ohio State, Texas, and Alabama, in May alone. Other notable offers include Auburn, Baylor, LSU, Michigan, Mizzou, SMU, Texas A&M, and Southern Cal.
Tennessee has landed a big fish in each of the last four classes: QB Nico Iamaleava (No. 2 in 2023), EDGE Jordan Ross (No. 9 in 2024), OT David Sanders Jr. (No. 11 in 2025), QB commit Faizon Brandon (No. 1 in 2026). Could Witten be the next Top 20 headliner for the Vols? We’ll just have to wait and see.
Tennessee extended Witten a scholarship offer on Aug. 24, 2024. While he will reportedly visit Knoxville this weekend for a recruiting event, it isn’t his first time seeing the Vols up close. Witten was in attendance for the Tennessee-Oklahoma game in Norman last season for an unofficial visit, and then followed that up with an unofficial visit for Tennessee’s overtime win over Florida in Knoxville just three weeks later.
Tennessee legend Jason Witten held one of the three spots on the south-facing Neyland Stadium jumbotron from 2018 to 2021 until he was replaced by VFL Alvin Kamara.
Stay tuned to Rocky Top Insider for more Tennessee football recruiting news and notes.
