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When your last name is Witten and you play football, expectations are part of the deal. But Cooper Witten isn't just riding his father's name-he's making one for himself. The 6'2", 210-pound sophomore is turning heads at Liberty Christian School, the same program where his father, Jason Witten, is now the head coach.
Unlike his dad, who dominated as a tight end at Tennessee before an iconic 17-year NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys, Cooper is a defensive standout. Playing safety and wide receiver, he has already built a reputation for his playmaking ability, physicality, and high football IQ.
And the college football world has noticed.
The recruiting battle for Witten is heating up fast. With 14 Power Five offers-including Tennessee, Oklahoma, Oregon, Michigan, and TCU-every major program is lining up for his commitment. Some schools see him as a future defensive anchor, while others value his versatility. Either way, he's one of the most sought-after recruits in the 2027 class.
But there's one program that seems to have a unique advantage: Tennessee.
Tennessee's ace in the hole-or just another contender?
Josh Heupel and his staff wasted no time extending an offer to Witten, and it's easy to see why. Jason Witten's Tennessee ties run deep-he played three seasons in Knoxville, earning First-Team All-SEC honors before heading to the NFL. Now, he's back in Texas coaching his son, but his connection to the Vols remains strong.
That history could give Tennessee an edge, but nothing is guaranteed in recruiting, especially when programs like Oklahoma and Michigan are in the mix. Cooper himself hasn't tipped his hand just yet, though he did post about Tennessee's offer on social media, calling it a "blessing."
Cooper Witten is far from a finished product, but his potential is impossible to ignore. He's already making plays on both sides of the ball, blocking kicks, forcing turnovers, and racking up tackles. His speed (an 11.03-second 100-meter dash) and size make him an elite prospect with room to grow.
Some wonder if Tennessee's past with his father will be enough to sway him. Others believe he'll carve out his own path at a different powerhouse. One thing is certain: the race for Witten's commitment is only getting started, and every major program is watching.
Where he lands could reshape a team's future.