ARGYLE, Texas — The morning after June 15, the phones of the nation’s elite high school football players light up with college coaches finally allowed to make formal contact.
For Cooper Witten, the No. 1 linebacker in the class of 2027, the barrage was both thrilling and a little overwhelming.
“It was crazy. I did not think it’d be that much,” Witten said in an interview with On3. “It’s cool all these coaches calling you, but at the same time, it’s a bunch and overwhelming.”
Less than a week later, Ole Miss officially joined a long and growing list of top programs vying for Witten’s commitment, extending a scholarship offer to the Liberty Christian (Argyle, Tex.) star and son of former Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten.
Witten, a 6-foot-1, 210-pound two-time state champion with first-team All-State credentials, has become one of the most sought-after prospects in the country.
According to the On3 Industry Ranking, which aggregates data from all four major recruiting services, Witten sits at No. 19 overall nationally, No. 1 among all linebackers, and No. 4 in Texas.
Other outlets, such as 247Sports, have him even higher, with some placing him in the top 17 overall and as high as No. 1 at his position.
The recent Ole Miss offer brings the Rebels into a high-stakes chase that already includes Clemson, Georgia, Ohio State, Alabama, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, and more than 20 other major programs.
Witten’s itinerary this summer reads like a roll call of college football’s elite: he’s visited Tennessee, Clemson, Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Texas A&M, with a trip to Georgia on deck.
Just this week, he was on the SMU campus, and the in-state Mustangs currently lead the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, though Witten has made clear he’s “keeping his options open.”
For the Rebels and coach Lane Kiffin, the pursuit of Witten signals not just ambition, but also a willingness to compete head-to-head with the sport’s blue bloods for generational talent.
Recruiting analysts point out that with the NCAA’s contact period for the class of 2027 now open, programs are jockeying to make the strongest impression on prospects whose decisions can shape the trajectory of a program for years.
“Just somewhere I’m going to be developed as a player and a person as well,” Witten told On3 when asked what he’s looking for in a college. “Reach my full potential. Somewhere the culture is uplifting and I feel comfortable in the locker room there.”
The Witten name is already football royalty.
Jason Witten, Cooper’s father, was an 11-time Pro Bowl tight end for the Dallas Cowboys, the franchise’s all-time leader in receptions (1,215) and yards (12,977), and a likely Hall of Famer when he becomes eligible in 2026.
That legacy brings attention, but also expectations.
“Cooper is the son of legendary NFL tight end Jason Witten, so he’s been around the game’s elite level his entire life,” reported Eleven Warriors, noting that his father is also the head coach at Liberty Christian, providing Cooper with a unique mix of professional preparation and familial guidance.
Witten’s on-field résumé backs up the hype.
During his standout sophomore season, he earned first-team all-state honors, helped lead Liberty Christian to back-to-back state championships, and tallied impressive statistics: 82 tackles, four interceptions, and a relentless motor that recruiting analysts say sets him apart.
“Athletic, physical, likely role-versatile second-level defensive piece who plays with a relentless motor. Natural football IQ, awareness, instincts,” reads his 247Sports scouting report. His coaches and peers describe him as humble, focused, and driven by a desire to be “the best teammate on and off the field.”
Ole Miss, for its part, has been aggressive on the 2027 recruiting trail, targeting prospects like Witten.
The Rebels’ pitch is built on a combination of SEC competition, a proven developmental pipeline, and the kind of culture that Witten says he values.
While Ole Miss has seen recruiting success in recent cycles, landing a player of Witten’s caliber would be a statement to the rest of the conference.
According to the 2027 class recruiting tracker, Ole Miss is making inroads with several top prospects, but none with as much star power as Witten.
For the class of 2027, June 15 after sophomore year marked the first day college coaches could make direct contact and extend verbal offers, a change designed to give prospects more time and information before making decisions.
For many families, including the Wittens, this earlier and more open period means navigating a deluge of attention while balancing academics, athletics, and—perhaps most importantly—personal growth.
As Witten’s junior year approaches, there’s little sign that the pace of his recruitment will slow.
With additional visits to Georgia and other powerhouses scheduled, and with programs like Ole Miss eager to make their case, his decision will likely be one of the most watched of the 2027 cycle.
Industry observers believe that wherever Witten lands, he will be expected not just to contribute immediately on the field but to serve as a culture-builder in the locker room, a role that mirrors the legacy of his father.
