Cooper Witten, one of the most sought-after recruits in the 2027 class, is making waves once again - and this time, it's in College Station. The five-star linebacker, widely regarded as the top player at his position in the country, was recently spotted on a visit to Texas A&M with head coach Mike Elko.
And yes, that’s the same Cooper Witten whose last name carries plenty of weight in football circles. His father, Jason Witten, is a future Hall of Fame tight end and, as of recently, the tight ends coach at Oklahoma.
So what’s Cooper doing visiting Aggieland?
That’s the question echoing through recruiting circles and SEC fan bases alike. On paper, this feels like a slam-dunk for Oklahoma.
His dad’s on staff, the Sooners are a perennial powerhouse, and the family ties run deep. But recruiting is rarely that simple - and Elko knows it.
The fact that Cooper is taking a serious look at A&M suggests this recruitment might not be as cut-and-dried as it once seemed.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just about a legacy name. Cooper Witten is the real deal.
A two-way standout at Liberty Christian just outside Dallas, he’s the No. 1 linebacker in the country and the No. 4 overall player in Texas for the class of 2027. He’s been dominating the high school scene for years already, and he still has another season to go.
His athleticism, football IQ, and versatility - he also plays tight end at a high level - make him a game-changer for any program lucky enough to land him.
And while his dad’s coaching career has taken him to Norman, Cooper’s recruitment is wide open - at least for now. His visit to Texas A&M wasn’t just a casual drop-in.
There’s a real relationship here between Cooper and the Aggies’ defensive staff, especially Mike Elko. That connection has been building over time, and it’s clear that A&M is making a serious push.
For Elko, this would be a statement win on the recruiting trail. Landing a player of Cooper’s caliber - especially when the odds seem stacked in favor of a rival program - would be a huge boost for a Texas A&M team looking to build a championship foundation. It would also signal that the Aggies can go toe-to-toe with the blue bloods and win.
Of course, Cooper’s recruitment is far from over. Every major program in the country is in pursuit, and the 247 Sports crystal ball currently leans toward Oklahoma, which isn’t surprising given the family connection.
But don’t count out the Aggies just yet. This visit shows that Cooper is keeping his options open, and that’s all Elko and his staff need - a shot.
Witten’s rise has been nothing short of dominant. He’s held the top linebacker spot in the 2027 rankings for a while now and continues to lead the Texas leaderboard, according to RallyPreps. His on-field production backs up the hype, and his football pedigree only adds to the intrigue.
For now, Aggie fans can dream a little. Cooper Witten in maroon and white isn’t a done deal, but it’s not out of the question either.
The road to signing day is long, and a lot can happen between now and then. But one thing’s clear: Mike Elko and Texas A&M are in the fight - and that alone is worth paying attention to.