Ole Miss Football Offers No. 1 Linebacker in America, Son of NFL Great Jason Witten

The top-ranked linebacker is navigating his process slowly without any contenders on his radar at the moment.

“Just somewhere I’m going to be developed as a player and a person as well. Reach my full potential. Somewhere the culture is uplifting and I feel comfortable in the locker room there, Witten added.

The 6-foot-1, 210-pound rising-junior is in the midst of a critical stretch while camping at multiple schools and quickly becoming a household name.

Witten is the son of NFL great, Jason Witten, who quickly became a record-setting tight end for the Dallas Cowboys during his professional career.

Across 16 seasons playing for the Cowboys, Witten became the franchise’s all-time leader in receptions (1,215) and yards (12,977) along with 72 touchdowns.

The coveted tight end was an 11-time Pro Bowl and two-time All-Pro. He wrapped up his playing career while finishing his time with the second most receiving yards as a tight end in NFL history.

Now, his son, [Cooper] Witten is looking to carve out his own path on the other side of the ball as the top-ranked linebacker in the 2027 Recruiting Cycle.

The 247Sports Evaluation: "Athletic, physical, likely role-versatile second-level defensive piece who plays with a relentless motor. Natural football IQ, awareness, instincts, etc. are obvious on tape and on the elite camp circuit. Produced outstanding combine testing numbers in Spring 2025. Owns a uniquely strong football pedigree.

"Wants the ball and plays for the ball, as evidenced by impact production through two varsity seasons. Also boasts the multi-phase participation and multi-sport athletic background so frequently seen in eventual NFL Draft candidates across the position spectrum, but especially in the defensive back seven.

"Owns impressive track speed, especially for a 210-pounder, with a 10.91-second 100-meter time in Spring 2025. Experienced at safety, but physical specs and play style would easily translate to off-ball linebacker in the long term. Presents high-floor competency with simultaneous high-ceiling developmental potential as one of the most intriguing defensive prospects at this early stage in the 2027 class."