5-star Cooper Witten adds twist to Oklahoma recruitment after Jason Witten's hiring

It seemed like Oklahoma hiring Jason Witten as its new tight ends coach meant his son, Cooper Witten, who's a five-star recruit, was a guarantee to follow his dad to Norman, but not so fast.

Shortly after news broke Jason Witten would join OU's staff last week, Rivals recruiting experts Steve Wiltfong and Sam Spiegelman both logged predictions for Cooper to commit to the Sooners, but OU fans may have prematurely celebrated landing a third five-star prospect to the 2027 class as Cooper still weighs his options.

Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko and members of his staff on Thursday, the same day OU officially announced Jason's hiring, visited Cooper at Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Texas, where Cooper not only plays, but where his dad had been the head coach until the recent career change.

Cooper Witten gets visit from Texas A&M's Mike Elko

Cooper posted a picture from the meeting on X while tagging each coach.

Cooper had a long list of offers, but has already narrowed it down to 10, including OU, Texas A&M, Texas, Clemson, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Texas Tech, Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee, his dad's alma mater. However, not only do the Sooners have the massive benefit of having Cooper's dad on staff now, but they were also his first FBS offer way back on June 8, 2024, before he emerged as a blue chip prospect.

According to the 247Sports Composite, Cooper, listed at 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, is the No. 21 overall prospect in the class and top linebacker. He's also the No. 4 overall player in the state of Texas. Rivals ranks Cooper as the No. 19 overall prospect.

It's still unknown if Cooper will finish his preps career at Liberty Christian School or transfer to an Oklahoma high school to be closer to his dad for his senior season. He not only excels as a linebacker, but is also a stellar wide receiver, so will be a great addition to any high school in the Norman area.

Regardless, Cooper will still be around OU constantly from now on, so even if it's still a tight race, the Sooners should eventually pull away before Cooper makes a decision.