Five-star linebacker Cooper Witten commits, boosting the Sooners' 2027 class towards historic heights
The Oklahoma Sooners' 2027 football recruiting class took a monumental leap forward on Tuesday, when five-star linebacker Cooper Witten announced his commitment to OU. This move not only kept the Sooners at the top of the national recruiting rankings, but also positioned them on a trajectory to potentially assemble the greatest recruiting haul in program history.
With 14 commitments now in the fold, including three five-star prospects and a slew of high-four-star talents, Brent Venables' staff has built a foundation that could redefine Oklahoma's defensive prowess in the SEC era.
Witten, a 6-foot-2, 215-pound standout from Argyle Liberty Christian in Texas, is rated as the No. 1 linebacker and No. 44 overall prospect in the 2027 cycle by 247Sports. His pledge came over finalists Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas A&M, marking a significant recruiting victory for Venables against SEC heavyweights.
Notably, Witten is the son of NFL legend and current OU tight ends coach Jason Witten, who joined the staff in January 2026. While family ties undoubtedly played a role, sources indicate Venables had cultivated a strong relationship with Cooper long before his father's hiring, emphasizing Oklahoma's defensive scheme and player development as key factors.
Witten's addition brings explosive athleticism to the linebacker corps, with his sideline-to-sideline speed and tackling instincts drawing comparisons to elite NFL prospects.
This commitment elevates an already elite class. Leading the charge on the offensive line are five-star tackles Cooper Hackett (No. 6 overall, from Fort Gibson, OK) and Kaeden Penny (No. 20 overall, from Bixby, OK). Hackett, at 6-7 and 260 pounds, is a dominant force with exceptional footwork, while Penny's 6-4, 265-pound frame and technical prowess make him a plug-and-play interior lineman. These two in-state gems underscore OU's renewed emphasis on dominating the trenches, a hallmark of Venables' Clemson tenure.
The skill positions are equally stacked. Four-star wide receiver Demare Dezeurn brings speed and route-running savvy, complementing three-star wideout Tra’Von Hall's physicality after the catch. At running back, four-star Keldrid Ben headlines with his vision and burst, supported by three-star Jaxsen Stokes' power-running style.
On the edge, four-star Krew Jones offers pass-rush upside with his length and quick first step. Defensively, Witten joins four-star linebacker Taven Epps, who flipped from Texas in November 2025, forming a dynamic duo at the second level.
The defensive line is fortified by four-star Elija Harmon and three-star Deven Robertson, both interior disruptors, while the secondary features four-star cornerback Mikhail McCreary's coverage skills alongside three-stars Mikyal Davis and offensive tackle Luke Wilson rounding out the group.What sets this class apart is its balance and quality—seven of the 14 commits rank in the Rivals300, with an average rating pushing
Oklahoma's current No. 1 ranking per 247Sports and On3 places them ahead of powerhouses like Alabama and Georgia, with a class score of 93.96 and climbing.
Historically, OU's top classes include the 2006 group (featuring Sam Bradford, Gerald McCoy, DeMarco Murray, and Jermaine Gresham) and the 2019 haul (Spencer Rattler, Rhamondre Stevenson), which ranked No. 4 nationally and produced multiple NFL talents.
The 2023 class under Venables, with two five-stars including Adepoju Adebawore, set a modern benchmark as the program's highest-rated defensive class since 2000.
Yet, the 2027 cycle's early momentum—13 commits by January 2026, now 14—surpasses those, blending elite talent with strategic fits.
Venables' defensive expertise, combined with offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle's play-calling, has made OU a magnet for top recruits. The Sooners' transition to the SEC demands this level of talent influx, and this class addresses key needs in the lines and at skill spots.
With eight months until the early signing period, more flips and additions could push this group into legendary status, potentially eclipsing even the star-studded 2004 class headlined by Adrian Peterson.
For Sooners fans, this isn't just about rankings—it's about building a championship contender. Witten's commitment signals OU's resurgence, proving that under Venables, Norman is once again the epicenter of college football excellence. As the class continues to evolve, Oklahoma is poised not only to maintain its No. 1 perch but to etch its name in the annals of recruiting lore.
Oklahoma Sooners Football 2027 Recruiting Class
- 5-Star OT Cooper Hackett
- 5-Star LB Cooper Witten
- 5-Star IOL Kaeden Penny
- 4-Star WR Demare Dezeurn
- 4-Star LB Taven Epps
- 4-Star EDGE Krew Jones
- 4-Star RB Keldrid Ben
- 4-Star DL Elija Harmon
- 4-Star CB Mikhail McCreary
- 3-Star DL Deven Robertson
- 3-Star CB Mikyal Davis
- 3-Star OT Luke Wilson
- 3-Star RB Jaxsen Stokes
- 3-Star WR Tra’Von Hall