Top Linebacker Cooper Witten in 2027 Class and Son of Vol Legend Set to Visit Tennessee Volunteers.

In the world of college football recruiting, few prospects carry as much anticipation and excitement as Cooper Witten, the 2027 linebacker sensation and son of Tennessee Volunteers legend Jason Witten. As one of the top linebackers in the nation for the 2027 recruiting class, Cooper’s upcoming visit to the University of Tennessee is generating a buzz not only among Volunteers fans but also across the entire college football landscape.

The Legacy of Jason Witten

To understand the significance of Cooper’s recruitment, it’s essential to appreciate the legacy of his father, Jason Witten. A Tennessee Vols icon, Jason Witten had an illustrious career at the University of Tennessee before moving on to become one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. Over his 15 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and a brief stint with the Las Vegas Raiders, Jason was an 11-time Pro Bowler and a model of consistency and professionalism.

Jason’s tenure at Tennessee laid the foundation for his storied career and earned him a revered status among Volunteers fans. His deep ties to the university have created a natural connection with his son Cooper, who is now on the cusp of forging his own legacy.

Early Years and Football Development

Cooper Witten grew up immersed in football culture, surrounded by the discipline and passion that his father modeled both on and off the field. From a young age, Cooper showed signs of being a natural athlete with a strong work ethic, and he quickly developed into a standout player.

Currently attending Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Texas, Cooper has already made waves in the high school football world. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing approximately 210 pounds, he possesses an ideal frame for a linebacker with a rare combination of speed, strength, and agility. He’s known for his football IQ, versatility, and tenacity on defense.

In his freshman season, Cooper made an immediate impact by recording impressive defensive statistics that included 82 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, multiple interceptions (including one returned for a touchdown), forced fumbles, and blocked kicks. His ability to make plays in high-pressure situations was instrumental in helping Liberty Christian secure its first-ever state championship, a historic achievement for the program.

Recruiting Rise and National Interest

As Cooper continued to shine on the field, he quickly caught the attention of college scouts across the nation. By early 2025, he was already being recognized as one of the top linebackers in the 2027 recruiting class.

His recruitment has been highly competitive, with powerhouse programs such as Oklahoma, Baylor, TCU, Missouri, Michigan, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Clemson, and many others extending scholarship offers. This level of national attention is a testament to Cooper’s skill set and potential to impact the collegiate level.

Among these offers, the University of Tennessee’s invitation holds a special place. On August 24, 2024, Tennessee’s coaching staff, led by head coach Josh Heupel, officially extended a scholarship offer to Cooper—a moment that sparked excitement due to the strong family ties. The connection to the Volunteers and the opportunity to continue his father’s legacy in Knoxville adds an emotional layer to Cooper’s recruitment journey.

Scheduled Visit to Tennessee

In the recruiting calendar, official visits are a critical part of the decision-making process for prospects and their families. Cooper Witten’s visit to the University of Tennessee is highly anticipated and seen as a pivotal moment in his recruitment.

Set for the spring of 2025, Cooper’s visit will allow him to meet the coaching staff, tour the campus, and experience the culture of the Volunteers firsthand. For Tennessee fans, this visit represents a chance to welcome back the Witten family and potentially secure a player who could become a cornerstone of their defense for years to come.

Playing Style and On-Field Impact

Cooper Witten’s playing style stands out because of his versatility and intelligence. While primarily a linebacker, he has experience playing safety and even on offense as a wide receiver. This multi-positional experience adds to his value as a recruit who can adapt to different defensive schemes.

On defense, Cooper’s strengths lie in his ability to read plays quickly, diagnose offensive formations, and execute tackles with precision. His speed and agility allow him to cover tight ends and running backs effectively, while his tackling ability ensures he is reliable against the run.

His high school coaches praise his leadership qualities, noting that Cooper not only makes plays himself but also elevates the performance of those around him. This ability to inspire and lead will be invaluable as he transitions to college football, where leadership on and off the field is paramount.

Family Influence and Football Values

The Witten family’s deep roots in football extend beyond just Jason and Cooper. Cooper’s younger brother, CJ Witten, is also a promising player who recently committed to Rice University. The brothers share a bond that has been credited with pushing each other to excel.

Jason Witten’s influence on Cooper extends beyond football skills. He has instilled in his son values of discipline, humility, and perseverance. Jason’s commitment to family and football has set a standard for Cooper, who aspires not only to follow in his father’s footsteps on the field but also to build his own unique path.

Cooper has expressed a desire to join a program that feels like a family and where he can grow both as a player and as a person. The University of Tennessee, with its storied football history and community atmosphere, fits this ideal perfectly.

What Cooper’s Commitment Would Mean for Tennessee

Landing Cooper Witten would be a significant coup for the Volunteers. Not only would it add a top-tier linebacker to their 2027 recruiting class, but it would also symbolize the continuation of a family legacy deeply tied to the program’s history.

From a football standpoint, Cooper’s skill set addresses key needs in Tennessee’s defense. His ability to cover, tackle, and lead would enhance the linebacker corps and add depth and versatility to the defense. His presence alone could boost team morale and fan enthusiasm, knowing that the son of one of the program’s greatest ever players is on board.

Additionally, securing a player of Cooper’s caliber sends a message to other recruits that Tennessee is a destination for elite talent and one that values tradition and family ties.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Cooper Witten

As the recruiting process progresses, all eyes will be on Cooper Witten. His final decision will likely come after visits to other top programs, but the Volunteers have a clear edge thanks to the family connection and the strong relationship built by the coaching staff.

If Cooper chooses Tennessee, he will enter a program ready to maximize his talents and develop him into a future NFL prospect. His journey is one that Vols fans will follow closely, hoping to witness the rise of a new Witten legend on the gridiron.

In the meantime, Cooper continues to hone his skills and dominate at the high school level, showcasing the attributes that have made him one of the most exciting linebacker prospects in the country.