Cooper Witten, who is the nation’s top linebacker in the college football recruiting class of 2027 and the son of former Dallas Cowboys legend Jason Witten, is talking about making his decision on where to play.
Even though Ohio State had a recent coaching change, the Buckeyes seem best suited to pick up Witten due to the program’s reputation and his friendships in Columbus, Ohio, which he had nurtured.
Why Ohio State Remains a Top Choice for Cooper Witten
After a recent interview at Ohio State, Witten described his recruiting process and the part that current Ohio State players had in it. After defensive coordinator Jim Knowles left, it put the linebacking corps in the hands of linebackers coach James Laurinaitis.
“Coach Laurinaitis is a great coach,” Witten said. “He’s played the position at a high level in the NFL, so he taught me a lot over the course of this camp. A lot of good points to bring back to my high school.”
Witten received a scholarship offer from Ohio State. Seeing the Buckeyes come off of just winning a national championship was big to him. Witten admits that he values this opportunity with Ohio State. While some might expect him to stay close to his home state of Texas, he offered some thoughts about it.
“Maybe a little, but I don’t really care that much,” he said. “I just want to play football somewhere that values me and that I’m going to be able to make an impact at the school.”
He also pointed out that Laurinaitis’ experience and pedigree him and new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia set Ohio State apart. Witten said, though, that his ultimate choice to play college football comes down to a place where he feels valued, fits the scheme, and can develop both as a player and person.
James Laurinaitis working with a group of linebackers before Ohio State’s one-day camp, including 2027 Texas native Cooper Witten. pic.twitter.com/i0jEOwa6kj
— Patrick Murphy (@_Pat_Murphy) June 12, 2025
Ohio State is in the middle of a tough transition. Knowles’ contract negotiations with the Buckeyes broke down, leading him to go to Penn State. CFB analyst JD PicKell raised doubts, suggesting the move may have left Ohio State without a solid defensive coordinator
In this scenario, Witten’s interest in Ohio State makes it even more of a story. As a five-star linebacker, Witten assured himself of getting even more attention when he took part in the Buckeyes’ fourth recruiting camp this summer.
As a sophomore at Liberty Christian High School in Argyle, Texas, Witten proved that he can play at linebacker really well. Witten also happens to play under his father Jason’s head coaching direction at Liberty Christian.
At linebacker, Witten, who will enter his junior year at Liberty Christian, made 45 tackles and five interceptions (two returned for touchdowns). On offense, he collected seven touchdown catches.
Witten recently posted a 10.91-second 100-meter dash at a national camp. He will focus on his high school season for now.
Seriously z, did you just say this……
It left Ohio State without a solid defensive coordinator.
Do your homework as Matt Patricia is DC, who was DC under Belichek for the Patriots, and head coach of Detroit. WOW!