For the 2026 class, it's safe to say that Josh Heupel and the Tennessee football team have been on a tear of late. However, it's never too early to start looking down the road at future classes, with plenty of offers going out to 2027 prospects.
The list includes 4-star linebacker Cooper Witten, one of the top prospects in the country for '27. If that name made you do a double take, that's totally understandable - the youngster is the son of Tennessee legend and former NFL standout Jason Witten.
With Cooper growing up following the Vols because of his dad, you'd assume that Tennessee would be in the driver's seat to land his commitment, right? Not so fast. According to Steve Wiltfong, plenty of schools are working to land the elite LB. The list includes Ohio State, Notre Dame, Texas A&M and Clemson:
Clemson, Notre Dame, Texas A&M, Ohio State some of the programs that have impressed terrific 2027 LB Cooper Witten. https://t.co/htgZ2lFO26
— Steve Wiltfong (@SWiltfong_) July 16, 2025
Tennessee is facing stiff competition for Vols legacy prospect Cooper Witten
There's been a lot of buzz of late that Notre Dame is starting to stand out a little bit for the younger Witten. Obviously, that's a problem for Heupel and his staff, as they're going to do everything possible to make sure the '27 playmaker follows in his father's footsteps.
With the latest rankings that came out from Rivals, Cooper Witten is ranked four stars and the No. 15 prospect overall for his class. Throughout his recruitment, the 6-2, 210-pounder has already picked up 28 offers and more are expected to be on the way.
At this point, though, several teams are starting to separate themselves a bit, with Notre Dame, Ohio State and others turning Cooper's head. Heupel and the Vols had him in town for an unofficial visit earlier this year, but getting him back on campus for a game this fall will be a top priority. No one in Knoxville is going to like it if this kid ends up playing for a different powerhouse. Nope, not one bit.