Cooper Witten, Son of Tennessee Legend, Reportedly Set For Imminent Visit to Rocky Top

Cooper Witten, a standout linebacker in the 2027 recruiting class and son of former Tennessee Volunteers and Dallas Cowboys legend Jason Witten, is reportedly set to visit the University of Tennessee this weekend. This visit aligns with the Volunteers’ “Big Orange BBQ” recruiting event, a significant occasion for the program to engage with top prospects.

 

A Rising Star in the 2027 Class

 

Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 210 pounds, Cooper Witten has emerged as one of the premier talents in his class. According to On3’s Industry Rankings, he is rated as a four-star linebacker, ranked No. 19 nationally, and holds the top spot among linebackers in the 2027 class. Additionally, 247Sports’ Composite Rankings list him as a five-star prospect and the No. 18 player nationally.

 

Witten’s on-field performance has been nothing short of impressive. During his sophomore season at Liberty Christian High School in Argyle, Texas—where he is coached by his father, Jason Witten—he recorded 45 tackles, one sack, five interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), six pass breakups, and a safety. Offensively, he contributed 15 receptions for 263 yards and seven touchdowns.

 

A Legacy Continues

 

Jason Witten’s legacy at Tennessee is well-established. During his collegiate career from 2000 to 2002, he amassed 797 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. His success continued in the NFL, where he became an 11-time Pro Bowler and is widely regarded as one of the greatest tight ends in league history.

 

Cooper’s upcoming visit to Tennessee is not his first interaction with the program. He previously attended the Tennessee-Oklahoma game in Norman and was present for the Volunteers’ overtime victory against Florida in Knoxville.

 

Recruitment Landscape

 

Despite his strong ties to Tennessee, Cooper Witten’s recruitment is highly competitive. He has already received over 25 scholarship offers from prestigious programs, including Notre Dame, Ohio State, Texas, Alabama, LSU, Michigan, and USC.

 

Tennessee extended an offer to Witten on August 24, 2024. Reflecting on the offer, Witten expressed surprise and excitement, stating, “I didn’t really expect it much… The energy felt like it was going to come soon but not today.”

 

While his father’s legacy at Tennessee is significant, Jason Witten has emphasized that the decision ultimately rests with Cooper. He advised his son to choose the path that best suits him, without feeling pressured by family ties.

 

Looking Ahead

 

Tennessee’s recent recruiting successes, including commitments from top-tier talents like quarterback Nico Iamaleava and offensive tackle David Sanders Jr., demonstrate the program’s upward trajectory. Securing a commitment from Cooper Witten would further solidify the Volunteers’ status as a destination for elite recruits.

 

As the recruitment process unfolds, all eyes will be on Cooper Witten’s visit to Rocky Top and the potential continuation of his family’s legacy at the University of Tennessee.

 

 

A Homecoming Decades in the Making?

 

For many Tennessee fans, the idea of seeing the name “Witten” back in orange and white stirs up deep emotions. Jason Witten, whose name is etched into the lore of Vols football history, was a cornerstone of the Phillip Fulmer era. Known for his toughness, dependability, and work ethic, he embodied what it meant to be a Tennessee Volunteer.

 

Now, more than two decades after Jason roamed the gridiron in Neyland Stadium, his son Cooper is forging a path that could bring the Witten legacy full circle. While there’s no guarantee that Cooper will ultimately choose Tennessee, the connection runs deeper than just bloodlines. The atmosphere, the tradition, the shared memories — all these factors will no doubt play a role as the young linebacker weighs his decision.

 

“I’ve grown up watching highlights of my dad at Tennessee,” Cooper reportedly told close sources. “It’s definitely something that makes me proud, but I want to make the decision that’s best for me — whether that’s Tennessee or somewhere else.”

 

Josh Heupel’s Approach: Connection and Vision

 

One of the key elements that could sway Cooper’s decision is Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel’s personal involvement in the recruiting process. Heupel has emphasized family culture and relationships as central pillars of his recruiting strategy, particularly when targeting legacy recruits.

 

Sources close to the program suggest Heupel has made it a priority to establish a strong rapport not only with Cooper but with Jason as well. While Jason is reportedly taking a hands-off approach in terms of pushing his son in any particular direction, he’s been impressed with how the Vols have handled the recruitment.

 

“He respects what Heupel is building in Knoxville,” one source said. “Jason wants his son to make his own way, but he wouldn’t be against seeing Cooper in orange either.”

 

Heupel’s track record with developing talent — especially on defense — could be another selling point. Players like James Pearce Jr. and Aaron Beasley have flourished under defensive coordinator Tim Banks, and Tennessee’s defensive culture is beginning to reflect the hard-nosed, physical identity that once defined the program.

 

A Massive Weekend on the Horizon

 

Cooper’s upcoming visit during Tennessee’s annual Big Orange BBQ recruiting event comes at a pivotal time. The event, which brings together many of the Vols’ top targets for food, fellowship, and a full-throttle dose of Volunteer culture, has historically played a key role in landing commitments.

 

Several high-profile recruits from the 2025 and 2026 classes are also expected to attend, creating a vibrant atmosphere and giving Tennessee a chance to showcase its facilities, coaching staff, and fan support.

 

For Cooper, the visit won’t just be about football. He’ll also get a deeper look at the academic side of the university, spend time with current players, and hear firsthand what life is like on Rocky Top. That holistic approach is something that families — particularly those with NFL experience like the Wittens — greatly value.

 

A Recruiting Battle Brewing

 

While Tennessee might have the inside track in terms of legacy and emotional connection, this recruitment is far from a done deal. Powerhouse programs like Alabama, Ohio State, Georgia, Michigan, Texas, Notre Dame, and USC have already extended offers and are working to make their pitch.

 

Each program brings its own strengths. Texas is close to home. Alabama and Georgia offer defensive development in NFL-style systems. Notre Dame emphasizes academics. Michigan boasts tradition and recent playoff success. But Tennessee’s unique blend of personal history and rising momentum makes them a formidable contender in this race.

 

Expectations are that Witten will take several more visits before narrowing down his choices, and a final commitment likely won’t come until late 2025 or early 2026. Still, these early trips can make a major impact.

 

The Bigger Picture

 

Landing Cooper Witten would be a major symbolic victory for Tennessee’s program. It would reinforce the idea that top-tier recruits — even those with elite national options — see Knoxville as a place where they can thrive. It would also deepen the narrative of legacy and tradition that the Vols have leaned on for decades.

 

But beyond that, Cooper is simply one of the best young defenders in the nation. His instincts, athleticism, and ability to make plays on both sides of the ball make him a potential cornerstone for any program that signs him. Tennessee fans are hopeful that he’ll decide his future lies in the same place where his father made his name — under the bright lights of Neyland Stadium.

 

Final Thoughts

 

As the June visit nears, Tennessee fans will be watching closely. While there are no guarantees in recruiting, especially with prospects still two years from signing day, the upcoming visit could be a turning point in Cooper Witten’s journey.

 

For now, the story of Cooper Witten and Tennessee is still being written. But if history, family, and opportunity are any guide — the final chapter just might take place on Rocky Top.

 

Stay tuned to Vols247, Rocky Top Insider, and On3 for continued coverage of Cooper Witten’s recruitment and all Tennessee football news.