Oklahoma Closing in on Five-Star LB Cooper Witten - and the SEC is Watching
The Sooners are making serious waves on the 2027 recruiting trail, and the latest surge centers around one of the most coveted defensive prospects in the country: Cooper Witten. The five-star linebacker out of Liberty Christian (Argyle, TX) is trending toward Oklahoma, and if the Sooners lock this one down, it won’t just be a big win - it could be a seismic shift in the SEC's recruiting landscape.
Witten, listed at 6’1” and 210 pounds, is already drawing national attention not just for his talent, but for his football pedigree. He’s the son of Sooners tight ends coach and former NFL star Jason Witten.
That connection gives Oklahoma a unique edge in his recruitment, but it’s far from a done deal. Witten’s top five is stacked with SEC powerhouses: Georgia, Texas A&M, Texas, Tennessee - and, of course, Oklahoma.
He’s been active lately, too. Witten recently hosted Texas A&M coaches and made the trip to Athens for a junior day with the Bulldogs. That kind of schedule tells you everything you need to know about how seriously the top programs are pursuing him.
Still, the Sooners are in a strong position. On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine has Oklahoma as the current favorite, and given the combination of family ties and defensive vision under Brent Venables, it’s not hard to see why.
Tennessee Still in the Picture - and Not Quietly
While Oklahoma may be leading the pack, don’t count out Tennessee. The Vols have their own emotional card to play.
Jason Witten was a first-team All-SEC standout with the Volunteers back in 2002, and that legacy matters in Knoxville. Tennessee’s staff knows what’s at stake - not just adding a top-tier linebacker, but avoiding the optics of losing a legacy recruit at a position of need.
Josh Heupel and his staff are still very much in this fight.
A Potential Cornerstone for Venables’ 2027 Defense
If Oklahoma does land Cooper Witten, it would be a massive statement for Brent Venables and his defensive vision. Witten would be the crown jewel of a 2027 class that’s already loaded with talent on that side of the ball. The Sooners have already secured commitments from blue-chip linebacker Taven Epps, explosive edge rusher Krew Jones, and four-star defensive tackle Elija Harmon - and they’re not done yet.
Oklahoma is also believed to be in the driver’s seat for four-star safety Jaylen Scott. Add Scott and Witten to the mix, and this class could go down as one of the most dominant defensive hauls in recent memory. It’s the kind of group that doesn’t just compete in the SEC - it contends for championships.
Sooners Sitting on Top - and Still Building
The 2027 class is already shaping up to be something special in Norman. According to 247Sports, Oklahoma currently holds the top-rated class in the country, with 13 commitments - eight of which are blue-chip prospects.
That’s a strong foundation. But adding a player like Cooper Witten?
That’s the kind of move that elevates a recruiting class from great to elite.
Venables and his staff have been relentless on the trail, and the results are starting to show. If they can close the deal with Witten, it won’t just be a win for the Sooners - it’ll be a message to the rest of the SEC: Oklahoma’s defense is coming, and it’s coming fast.