Five-Star 2027 Linebacker Cooper Witten, Son of NFL Legend Jason Witten, Includes Ohio State in His Top Five Schools

Cooper Witten has been a name to watch in the 2027 recruiting cycle, and now, the son of future Hall of Famer Jason Witten is making headlines again. A five-star linebacker prospect with the build of an SEC enforcer and the instincts of a seasoned veteran, Cooper revealed on Monday that the Ohio State Buckeyes are firmly entrenched in his top five schools.

It’s no small statement, especially given the deep pool of suitors vying for his commitment. Programs across the country—from coast to coast—have pitched their visions, rolled out the red carpet, and shown how the younger Witten can be a centerpiece of their future defenses. Still, the Buckeyes are right in the thick of things, and that’s a testament to both their legacy and their proactive recruiting approach.

Witten has made multiple unofficial visits in the past year, but his recent stop in Columbus earlier this month seems to have had a lasting impact. From the moment he stepped foot on campus, he was treated like family. The Buckeyes’ coaching staff, led by Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, presented a full-court press that made a strong impression on the Texas native.

“Ohio State is definitely one of the top programs I’m looking at,” Cooper told reporters during a recent 7-on-7 event. “I love how they develop linebackers, how tough and competitive the culture is, and how much the coaches care about more than just football. That really stands out to me.”

That development pipeline is exactly what has made Columbus an attractive destination for elite defensive prospects. With names like Darron Lee, Ryan Shazier, Raekwon McMillan, and most recently, Tommy Eichenberg becoming household names, it’s easy to understand why someone with NFL lineage would see value in that trajectory. Witten is already drawing comparisons to some of those former Buckeye greats for his blend of sideline-to-sideline speed, high football IQ, and toughness between the tackles.

Jason Witten, the longtime Dallas Cowboys tight end and current high school head coach at Liberty Christian (Argyle, Texas), has made it clear that while he’s giving his son the space to make his own decision, he is thoroughly involved in helping him navigate the process. “We’ve been so blessed to see the game from every level, and I just want Cooper to be somewhere that challenges him—athletically, academically, and spiritually,” Jason said earlier this year.

That framework makes Ohio State a logical finalist. The program’s emphasis on player development and life after football aligns with what the Witten family values. Multiple sources close to the recruitment say that Jason and Cooper both came away from their visit impressed not just by the facilities and coaching philosophy, but also by the Buckeye Brotherhood—a concept ingrained in every recruit who considers wearing scarlet and gray.

“He doesn’t want to just go somewhere for the brand,” said a recruiting analyst with 247Sports. “He’s interested in culture and toughness. That’s why schools like Ohio State, Alabama, Georgia, and Texas are still in it. They all bring something real to the table, and Cooper sees that.”

While Witten has not released his full top five publicly, it is widely expected to include Ohio State, Georgia, Alabama, Texas, and Tennessee. Each of those schools has unique ties to the Witten family either geographically, culturally, or philosophically. But Ohio State stands out in one key area: linebacker production. Knowles’ scheme allows dynamic playmakers to flow freely and attack downhill, which fits Witten’s skill set perfectly.

At 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, Cooper Witten already looks like a college player. His speed in coverage and power as a tackler make him one of the most complete linebackers in the 2027 class. Coaches rave about his leadership on and off the field, and scouts have noted how his football acumen is off the charts—likely a result of growing up in an NFL household.

“It’s clear that the game was taught to him in a really intelligent way,” said one scout who has seen him play multiple times. “He reads plays quicker than most seniors, lets alone underclassmen. That comes from his background. But he’s not just a coach’s kid—he’s an elite athlete.”

Indeed, Witten has shined at every national camp and event he’s attended. Whether it’s Under Armour, Rivals, or Elite 11 showcase events, he’s consistently risen to the top of evaluations. That blend of athleticism, polish, and character is why he’s one of the most coveted players in the country—despite still having two full seasons of high school football ahead.

Ohio State’s linebacker room in the next two years will be in transition, with veterans moving on to the NFL and younger players stepping into leadership roles. That leaves the door open for a player like Witten to come in and compete for early playing time, which could be another key factor in his decision. The Buckeyes have a reputation for giving freshmen a shot if they prove ready, and that’s music to the ears of any top prospect.

For now, Witten is in no rush to make a commitment. Sources close to the family indicate that a decision likely won’t come until sometime in 2026, possibly after his junior season. Until then, he plans to continue visiting schools, building relationships with coaches, and evaluating depth charts and development pipelines.

Ohio State will likely get him back on campus for an official visit next summer, possibly even during a game weekend in the fall. The environment inside Ohio Stadium is something every recruit wants to experience under the lights, and with Witten’s attention to detail, every trip counts.

Cooper has also stayed close with other top players in the 2027 class, including fellow five-star recruits on both sides of the ball. He’s part of a growing network of elite talent that talks regularly about potential pairings and team-up scenarios. That peer-to-peer recruitment angle could end up favoring a school like Ohio State, which consistently attracts top-tier talent and keeps them in contention nationally.

Buckeye fans should remain cautiously optimistic. There’s a long way to go in Witten’s recruitment, and with national programs like Georgia and Alabama pressing hard, nothing is certain. But Ohio State has done exactly what it needs to do to remain in the race—they’ve prioritized Witten, shown him a clear vision, and made a strong impression on one of the most sought-after recruits in the country.

As the summer unfolds, look for Witten to continue shining on the camp circuit and national showcases. Wherever he ends up, he’ll bring more than just a famous last name. He’ll bring elite talent, leadership, and the drive to forge his own path—possibly in Columbus, where the legacy of great linebackers could soon have a new chapter with the Witten name etched into the scarlet and gray story.

Whether or not Cooper Witten ultimately dons the Block O on his helmet, Ohio State has already made it clear that they see him as a future star—and the feeling, for now, appears mutual.