With the majority of class of 2026 recruits off the board, the 2027 cycle is beginning to heat up. This includes the son of Tennessee football legend Jason Witten, Cooper, a linebacker in the class. On Monday, Rivals refreshed its rankings for the class, and Cooper Witten made the jump inside the top 10.
He is now considered the No. 10 recruit in the country. Cooper Witten is the No. 1 linebacker in the cycle and No. 4 player out of Texas. He plays for Liberty Christian in Argyle, Texas, under his dad.
“Versatility is always coveted at the linebacker position and Cooper Witten has it in bunches,” Rivals National Scout Cody Bellaire wrote. “His ability to play between the hashes, trigger downhill, play in man and zone coverage allows him to cover almost every blade of grass between the white lines. Plus, he’s a quality athlete that plays on the offensive side of the ball and has run sub-11.0 in the 100m. The combination of instincts and athleticism at 6-foot-1, 210 pounds makes him one of the most polished defensive prospects in the cycle.”
On 247, Cooper Witten is the No. 43 player in the class. On both Rivals and 247, he holds a four-star designation. However, if he holds onto a spot inside the top 10, five-star status should soon follow on Rivals.
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Tennessee is firmly in the mix for Cooper Witten at this point, as well. He’s made multiple trips to Knoxville to see his father’s alma mater, including game day visits. Other teams in a good spot in the race include Oklahoma, SMU and Clemson, among others.
Coached by his father, 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.
Tennessee currently owns two commitments in the 2027 class. One is another legacy linebacker, JP Peace, grandson of Phillip Fulmer and son of Robert Peace. The other is cornerback Kamauri Whitfield. Both are three-star prospects.
