Top 2027 linebacker and Tennessee legacy Cooper Witten will visit Knoxville this weekend for the Vols’ Big Orange BBQ, a key recruiting event for top prospects.

In college football recruiting, few storylines generate more buzz than legacy prospects—highly rated athletes with deep familial ties to storied programs. This weekend, one such story will unfold in Knoxville, as Cooper Witten, the No. 1 ranked linebacker in the 2027 class and the son of Tennessee legend Jason Witten, visits campus for the Volunteers’ annual Big Orange BBQ.

Though still early in his high school career, Cooper Witten has emerged as a name to watch nationally. Standing out for his size, athleticism, and high football IQ, he has already established himself as one of the most coveted prospects in his class. But for Tennessee fans, his recruitment carries emotional weight: a potential continuation of a cherished legacy that spans decades and generations of Volunteer football.

A Rising Star with Familiar Bloodlines

Cooper Witten plays the game with a level of maturity and physicality that belies his youth. Already making waves on the national circuit with dominant performances in camps and 7-on-7 showcases, he has drawn praise not just for his sideline-to-sideline speed, but also for his instincts and leadership on the field.

It’s little surprise to those familiar with his lineage. His father, Jason Witten, is a Tennessee icon and one of the most accomplished tight ends in NFL history. During his time at Tennessee in the early 2000s, Jason was a dependable playmaker for the Vols before going on to a legendary career with the Dallas Cowboys. Known for his toughness, consistency, and leadership, Jason Witten left a lasting legacy in Knoxville—and his son is poised to potentially follow in those footsteps.

For Cooper, the challenge is both inspiring and weighty: to forge his own identity while carrying the expectations that come with being a Witten.

What Makes Cooper Witten Special

Recruiting analysts and coaches alike rave about Cooper’s tools and versatility. At linebacker, he exhibits excellent read-and-react skills, rarely out of position and quick to diagnose plays. Whether it’s tracking down ball carriers, dropping into coverage, or timing a blitz, Cooper does it all with confidence and technique.

But what separates him from others is his motor and work ethic—traits often linked to his father. Coaches who have worked with Cooper describe him as a student of the game, someone constantly looking to improve, watch film, and understand the “why” behind every play call.

By all accounts, Cooper isn’t just a great athlete—he’s a complete football player with a team-first mindset. That’s the kind of foundation that programs like Tennessee are built upon.

The Big Orange BBQ: A Crucial Visit

This weekend’s Big Orange BBQ is not just another recruiting visit. It’s a flagship event on Tennessee’s recruiting calendar, designed to bring together top high school talent in a relaxed, family-oriented atmosphere. Held during the offseason, it allows players and their families to experience the Tennessee culture beyond game days and official visits.

For Cooper Witten, the event will provide his most immersive exposure yet to the program his father once led as a captain. He’ll tour the facilities, meet with position coaches and coordinators, and get a feel for the direction of Josh Heupel’s program. But beyond that, he’ll connect with other high-profile recruits, many of whom could one day be teammates.

While the BBQ has a festive feel—featuring cookouts, games, and informal interactions—it’s also a key opportunity for the coaching staff to make lasting impressions. In Cooper’s case, it’s a chance to show him how valued he is, not just as a legacy but as a centerpiece of the program’s future.

The Recruiting Landscape

While Tennessee has the inside track emotionally, Cooper Witten’s recruitment is expected to be highly competitive. Top programs across the country have already taken notice. Given his talent, he’s a natural fit for powerhouse defenses in conferences like the SEC, Big Ten, and ACC.

Schools with a tradition of elite linebacker play will no doubt be in pursuit. Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and Clemson are perennial contenders when it comes to developing NFL-ready defenders. NIL opportunities and national exposure further add layers to the decision-making process for elite prospects like Witten.

Still, Tennessee offers a unique blend of tradition and opportunity. With a coaching staff eager to restore the Vols to national prominence, the pitch to Cooper is compelling: come home, wear the same orange your father wore, and be part of a new era of dominance.

Heupel’s Vision and Defensive Evolution

Since taking over in 2021, Josh Heupel has reinvigorated the Tennessee program with a high-octane offense and a culture rooted in player development. While most headlines have focused on the offensive side of the ball, the coaching staff has made steady strides on defense—particularly in recruiting dynamic athletes capable of elevating the unit’s performance.

Landing a player like Cooper Witten would be a statement—a sign that the Vols are not just about scoring points, but about building a complete, championship-caliber roster. Witten fits the mold of the modern linebacker: fast enough to cover slot receivers, strong enough to take on linemen, and smart enough to serve as a field general.

Adding him to the mix in 2027 would be a foundational step in building a dominant SEC defense, something Tennessee has been working toward steadily over the past few recruiting cycles.

More Than a Name: The Weight of Legacy

There’s a natural assumption that legacies like Cooper Witten will follow in their parents’ footsteps, but that’s not always the case. Pressure, expectations, and personal goals all play into the final decision. While Tennessee fans are hopeful, Cooper will make his choice based on what’s best for him—athletically, academically, and personally.

That said, the opportunity to represent the same program where his father became a household name could be an incredibly meaningful factor. Imagine the symbolism of Cooper running through the T, wearing the same number his dad once wore, chasing quarterbacks in front of a roaring Neyland Stadium crowd.

For fans, that’s more than nostalgia—it’s the continuation of a family’s legacy woven into the fabric of Tennessee football.

Looking Ahead

The visit this weekend won’t seal the deal, but it could go a long way in shaping Cooper’s view of Tennessee’s program. First impressions matter, especially when layered with emotional ties and the right football environment.

If Tennessee nails the visit—showing the family that Cooper will be valued, developed, and supported both on and off the field—they could position themselves as the frontrunner in a recruitment that will no doubt draw national attention.

For Cooper Witten, the next few years will be about development, growth, and decision-making. For Tennessee, it’s a chance to bring home a legacy, rebuild its identity on defense, and create a new chapter in a family story that began decades ago.