Elite linebacker Cooper Witten chooses Oklahoma, reuniting with father Jason Witten on the Sooners' coaching staff, in a major win for the 2027 class
Elite 2027 linebacker Cooper Witten has officially committed to the University of Oklahoma. The announcement, made on March 3, 2026, marks a significant milestone for the Sooners, as Witten chooses to follow in the footsteps of his father, Jason Witten, who recently joined the OU coaching staff as the tight ends coach.
This commitment not only bolsters Oklahoma's already dominant 2027 recruiting class but also resolves weeks of uncertainty surrounding the young star's future.
Cooper Witten, a 6'2", 215-pound linebacker from Argyle, Texas, is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in his class. Ranked as the No. 1 linebacker nationally by multiple recruiting services and as high as the No. 21 overall player in the country, Witten brings exceptional athleticism, instincts, and versatility to the field.
He excelled at Liberty Christian School, where he played under his father's guidance for three seasons, amassing impressive stats on both sides of the ball. As a junior, Witten recorded 709 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns as a wide receiver while dominating defensively as a linebacker.
His decision to commit to Oklahoma came after considering offers from powerhouse programs like Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Georgia, ultimately opting for the Sooners in a heartfelt choice that reunites him with his dad on the collegiate stage.
The news comes as a massive relief for Oklahoma fans and the coaching staff led by Brent Venables. Just a few weeks ago, on February 10, 2026, it was reported that Cooper would not be following his father to Norman for his senior year of high school. Instead, he chose to remain at Liberty Christian in Argyle to finish his prep career with his longtime teammates and friends.
This decision sparked speculation and dimmed expectations that Cooper was a "lock" for OU, especially after Jason Witten's hiring in January 2026 had initially positioned the Sooners as frontrunners.
Rumors swirled about potential transfers to a Norman-area high school, but Cooper prioritized loyalty to his Texas roots for one more season. "I'm staying at Liberty Christian for my senior year," he confirmed via social media, putting an end to the high school relocation chatter but leaving his college choice open to interpretation.
Jason Witten's transition to Oklahoma added an intriguing layer to the recruitment. The NFL legend, an 11-time Pro Bowler and former Dallas Cowboys star, left his head coaching role at Liberty Christian to join Venables' staff, bringing his expertise to a program hungry for championship contention.
While some viewed this as a direct pipeline to landing Cooper, the young linebacker's independent streak—evident in his high school decision—made the commitment far from guaranteed. Visits from coaches like Texas A&M's Mike Elko in the weeks following Jason's hire underscored the competition, but ultimately, family ties and Oklahoma's vision won out.
Witten's pledge elevates an already stellar 2027 recruiting class for Oklahoma, which entered the day ranked No. 1 nationally. With 14 commits now, including seven defensive standouts, the class features blue-chip talents like offensive tackle Cooper Hackett and fellow linebacker Taven Epps.
This could potentially be the greatest in OU history, surpassing even the star-studded groups from the Bob Stoops era. Witten becomes the highest-rated linebacker commit for the Sooners since Austin Box in 2007, injecting elite talent into a defense that has been a cornerstone of Venables' rebuild.
For Oklahoma, this commitment is more than just adding a five-star prospect—it's a statement of stability and appeal in the ever-competitive SEC landscape.
As the Sooners continue to build toward national title aspirations, Cooper Witten's arrival in 2027 could be the spark that ignites a new dynasty. Fans in Norman can now breathe easy, knowing that the Witten legacy will indeed call Oklahoma home.