A legendary name is returning to Tennessee's campus this weekend. The son of an NFL Hall of Famer and Tennessee legend is visiting Rocky Top.
Former Tennessee and Dallas Cowboys great Jason Witten's son, Cooper Witten, will visit Tennessee this weekend. He is currently the No. 1 linebacker in the 2027 recruiting class and the No. 4 player out of Texas.
The 6-foot-1, 210-pound linebacker out of Argyle, Texas, is a three-sport athlete and is already a popular recruit in the southwest, attracting offers from Oklahoma, Texas, TCU, Baylor, and SMU. Those are some of the schools with the best odds to land Witten, as it looks like he hopes to stay close to home.
Witten has been offered by Tennessee, Arizona, State, Duke, Georgia, Michigan, Missouri, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Oregon.
247 Sports Scouting Analyst Gabe Brooks has written many positive things about Witten, noting his football IQ, awareness, and instincts as a big reason he could receive a lot of attention on the recruiting trail.
"Athletic, physical, likely role-versatile second-level defensive piece who plays with a relentless motor," Brooks writes. "Natural football IQ, awareness, instincts, etc., are obvious on tape and on the elite camp circuit. Produced outstanding combine testing numbers in Spring 2025.
"Owns a uniquely strong football pedigree. Wants the ball and plays for the ball, as evidenced by impact production through two varsity seasons. Also boasts the multi-phase participation and multi-sport athletic background so frequently seen in eventual NFL Draft candidates across the position spectrum, but especially in the defensive back seven.
"Owns impressive track speed, especially for a 210-pounder, with a 10.91-second 100-meter time in Spring 2025. Experienced at safety, but physical specs and play style would easily translate to off-ball linebacker in the long term.
"Presents high-floor competency with simultaneous high-ceiling developmental potential as one of the most intriguing defensive prospects at this early stage in the 2027 class.
Witten has notched some impressive stats after his sophomore season, recording 127 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, seven interceptions (three pick-sixes), six pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and one safety. On the offensive side of the ball, he caught 15 passes for 263 yards and seven touchdowns.
Jason Witten came to Tennessee as a defensive end before moving to the offensive side of the ball, so it's not surprising that his son Cooper began a dominant defensive career after only two seasons at the high school level.
This will be Witten's first visit to Tennessee. He has made two visits to Oklahoma and one visit to nine other schools that are currently recruiting him.