Despite his father, Jason Witten's move to Oklahoma, the five-star linebacker chooses to finish his high school career at Argyle Liberty Christian, forging his own path
Few storylines capture attention like a blue-chip prospect whose father joins a major program's coaching staff. When former Dallas Cowboys legend and 11-time Pro Bowl tight end Jason Witten was hired as Oklahoma's tight ends coach in January 2026 under Brent Venables, the football world immediately turned its eyes to his son, Cooper Witten.
Many assumed the move to Norman would include the entire family, especially with Cooper—a consensus five-star linebacker in the Class of 2027—emerging as one of the Sooners' top targets. But new Liberty Christian head coach Josh Martin confirmed what some insiders had begun to suspect: Cooper Witten will remain at Argyle Liberty Christian in Argyle, Texas, for his senior season.
The decision allows the 6-2, 220-pound standout to finish his high school career alongside friends and teammates at the private school powerhouse where his father coached for five seasons, leading the Warriors to back-to-back TAPPS state titles in 2023 and 2024.
Cooper Witten isn't riding coattails—he's forging his own path as one of the most dominant defenders in the country. Ranked as the No. 1 linebacker and No. 21 overall prospect in the 2027 class by the 247Sports composite, he boasts elite athleticism, football IQ, and production.
As a sophomore in 2024, he recorded 45 tackles, five interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), and also contributed offensively with 15 receptions for 263 yards and seven scores while playing wide receiver.
With room to grow, Witten projects as a versatile "Mike" or "Will" linebacker in a modern college scheme—physical in the run game, rangy in coverage, and explosive off the edge.
He holds nearly 30 offers from blue-blood programs, including Alabama, Ohio State, Texas, Texas A&M, Oregon, and Ole Miss. Yet Oklahoma has long been viewed as a frontrunner, bolstered by crystal ball predictions leaning heavily toward the Sooners and the obvious family connection.
When Jason Witten left Liberty Christian to join Venables' staff, speculation ran wild that Cooper would transfer to a Norman-area school like Norman North or Norman High. High school moves during a player's senior year are rare, however, and for good reason. Transferring credits across state lines can be a bureaucratic nightmare. More importantly, teenagers value stability. Cooper has deep roots in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, strong friendships at Liberty Christian, and the chance to chase another state title under new coach Martin in a program built for success.
In a social media era where recruits often chase the "perfect" situation, Witten's choice reflects maturity and pragmatism. Most elite prospects don't uproot their entire lives for one final high school season. Staying comfortable doesn't signal disinterest in a college program—it signals a kid prioritizing his current chapter before the next one.
Does this make landing Cooper harder for Oklahoma? On the surface, yes. He won't be immersed in Sooner culture daily, rubbing shoulders with OU players and coaches at local events or developing organic bonds with Norman High teammates who might later join him in college. Proximity to the University of Texas and Texas A&M—both aggressive recruiters in the Dallas area—could keep the in-state powers in the mix.Yet context matters.
Jason Witten remains a powerful advocate on staff, and family ties in recruiting are often unbreakable. Cooper can visit Norman frequently (it's a short flight or drive from DFW), and Venables' defense, known for developing linebackers, aligns perfectly with his skill set.
Reports indicate Jason Witten encouraged other programs like Tennessee to continue recruiting his son, emphasizing that Cooper is conducting his own process independent of his father's move.
Historically, sons of coaches have committed to their dad's program even without living in the same city during high school. The emotional pull, NIL opportunities in the SEC, and Oklahoma's rising trajectory under Venables (fresh off a College Football Playoff appearance) keep the Sooners in pole position. OU already boasts the nation's No. 1 2027 class with multiple five-stars committed.
Cooper Witten's decision is ultimately a reminder that recruiting is about more than logistics—it's about relationships, timing, and trust. While some may view the Texas stay as a slight ding to Oklahoma's momentum, it's far more likely a non-issue.
Kids his age crave normalcy, and finishing high school where he built his reputation makes perfect sense. For Oklahoma fans, the message is clear: patience. Cooper has time to decide, and with his father entrenched in Norman, the family pipeline remains wide open.
Whether he becomes the next great Sooner linebacker or chooses another path, one thing is certain—his senior season at Liberty Christian will be appointment viewing for every major program in the country.