Massive Announcement: No. 1 Elite Five-Star Linebacker, Son of NFL Legend Commits to Ohio State Buckeyes

Massive Announcement: Elite Five-Star Linebacker Cooper Witten, Son of NFL Legend Jason Witten, Commits to Ohio State Buckeyes

In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the college football world, elite five-star linebacker Cooper Witten, widely considered the No. 1 linebacker in the 2027 recruiting class, has officially committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Texas native, who plays for Liberty Christian School, made his decision public following a weekend visit to Columbus that clearly left a lasting impression.

Witten, the son of former Dallas Cowboys legend and future Hall of Fame tight end Jason Witten, has been a name on every major program’s radar for years. With his blend of sideline-to-sideline speed, football IQ, and physical toughness, Cooper has already carved out his own identity on the gridiron—despite his father’s fame as one of the NFL’s all-time great pass-catching tight ends.

Interestingly, the younger Witten operates on the defensive side of the ball, forging his own path as a hard-hitting linebacker. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing in at 210 pounds, he’s already shown instincts and explosiveness well beyond his years. His decision to choose Ohio State over a host of powerhouse programs highlights not just the prestige of the Buckeye brand, but the growing reputation of Ohio State’s defensive staff—particularly linebackers coach James Laurinaitis.

Laurinaitis, himself a former Buckeye All-American and NFL veteran, has quickly emerged as one of college football’s most effective recruiters since stepping into the full-time role. With recent linebacker commitments like Riley Pettijohn and Tarvos Alford in the 2025 class, Laurinaitis is building a fast, aggressive, and athletic linebacker corps that will be feared in the Big Ten and beyond.

Witten’s commitment marks yet another victory in Ohio State’s ongoing efforts to reclaim its identity as a defensive powerhouse. His presence not only strengthens an already impressive future unit but also brings a layer of leadership and high football pedigree, thanks to the legacy of his father.

Speaking about his visit, insiders say Witten was particularly drawn to the culture in Columbus, the opportunity to grow under Laurinaitis’ mentorship, and the program’s consistent ability to develop NFL-ready talent. For a player with professional aspirations and a championship mindset, the Buckeyes presented the ideal fit.

This commitment is not just a win for the Buckeyes on paper—it’s a statement to the rest of the nation. Ohio State continues to be a destination for top-tier talent, and with Cooper Witten now on board, the future of the Buckeye defense looks even brighter.

From Texas roots to Buckeye leaves, Cooper Witten is officially headed to Columbus—and Ohio State fans everywhere have reason to celebrate.