Oklahoma Sooners Targeting Top LB Cooper Witten for 2027 Recruiting Class

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Oklahoma Sooners Targeting Top LB Cooper Witten for 2027 Recruiting Class

The Oklahoma Sooners made their return to the College Football Playoff in 2025 for the first time since 2019, under head coach Brent Venables in his fourth year.

Oklahoma finished the season with a 10-3 record, and a key factor in this success was the performance of Venables’ defense. The former defensive coordinator for the Clemson Tigers, who won three national championships in that position at both Clemson and Oklahoma, took on the role of calling defensive plays again this past season. Under his leadership, Oklahoma ranked No. 5 in defensive efficiency, according to ESPN.

Venables is aiming to build on previous success by recruiting top-tier athletes. According to 247Sports, the Sooners hold the No. 1-ranked class for 2027, featuring 13 commits, including two five-star prospects.

Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables before the game.© Randy Sartin-Imagn Images

Despite their strong start to the class, the Sooners have more to accomplish. Oklahoma is projected to sign five-star linebacker Cooper Witten, who is ranked as the top linebacker in the country. Witten is the son of legendary Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten, who became the tight ends coach at Oklahoma this offseason.

Witten’s potential commitment would be another major win for Venables, whose defensive identity is once again defining Oklahoma football. The Sooners’ jump back into national relevance wasn’t driven by offense, but by a defense that consistently controlled games, a clear selling point for elite prospects on that side of the ball. Adding the nation’s top linebacker would further validate Venables’ blueprint for sustained success.

There’s also a powerful legacy element at play. With Jason joining the staff as tight ends coach, Oklahoma offers a rare combination of elite development, family familiarity, and immediate credibility. That dynamic resonates strongly with recruits and their families, particularly for a player expected to be the centerpiece of a defense in the near future.

If Oklahoma lands Witten, it would strengthen an already No. 1-ranked 2027 class and reinforce the Sooners’ momentum heading into the summer recruiting stretch. As Venables looks to turn playoff appearances into championship contention, securing cornerstone defenders like Witten could be the difference-maker in Oklahoma’s push toward its next national title run.

Related: Brent Venables, Oklahoma Labeled Hard to Beat for Elite 5-Star LB

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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