Cooper Witten, the son of Tennessee football legend Jason Witten, holds a heavy last name full of expectations.
However, so far, he’s lived up to the hype and more.
Witten, a linebacker in the 2027 class, is now considered a top 15 recruit in the country, according to Rivals. In the company’s refreshed rankings for the cycle of rising juniors, he clocked in exactly at No. 15.
“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.”
Witten also clocks in on 247 as the No. 24 player in the country and top-ranked linebacker. While he currently sits as a four-star on both services, this puts him in a position to earn a fifth star as the recruiting process advances.
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Tennessee is firmly in the mix for Witten at this point, as well. On May 31, he took a visit to see the Vols in Knoxville. Afterward, he also checked out Clemson, where he picked up an offer, and was later offered by Ole Miss and Kentucky. He’s picked up other offers from Alabama, Texas, Ohio State, Nebraska, Notre Dame, LSU, USC, Arkansas, Auburn, Texas Tech, Michigan, Oregon, Texas A&M, Missouri and Oklahoma.
Witten was in Knoxville for a game day visit last season, as well. He was in town to watch the Vols handle Florida in an overtime win. Just prior, he was in Norman to watch Tennessee beat Oklahoma on the Sooners’ home field.
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 one commitment in the 2027 class in another legacy linebacker. JP Peace, grandson of Phillip Fulmer and son of Robert Peace, is a three-star recruit already in the boat.
