OU Football Just Scored a Game-Changer: The Highest-Ranked Linebacker in Two Decades. But here's where it gets controversial—could this be a legacy pick or a genuine program fit? When Brent Venables stepped onto the Norman campus, Sooners fans unanimously predicted a linebacker recruiting renaissance. And they weren’t wrong. Year after year, the position has seen undeniable growth under Venables’ leadership. But Tuesday’s announcement marked a seismic shift: Cooper Witten, a standout from Argyle (Texas) Liberty Christian, pledged his commitment to the Sooners, spurning offers from powerhouse programs like Tennessee, Texas A&M, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Georgia, Texas, and Oregon, among others.
And this is the part most people miss—Witten’s decision wasn’t just about football. His father, NFL legend Jason Witten, was recently hired as OU’s tight ends coach, raising eyebrows about whether family ties swayed the decision. Cooper himself addressed this, telling Rivals.com’s Sam Spiegelman, ‘My dad has been my coach for most of my high school career, so playing for him again would be pretty cool. But I don’t want that to define my choice. I’m looking for the best fit for me.’ A mature perspective from a high school athlete, right?
Yet, even before his father’s hiring, Witten had Oklahoma on his radar. ‘I like Coach V and what they do on defense,’ he said. ‘Leading the nation in sacks and TFLs speaks volumes about his system.’ As the nation’s No. 2 linebacker and the No. 31 player overall in the Rivals Industry ranking, Witten is OU’s highest-rated linebacker recruit since Austin Box in 2007—a full 20 years ago.
Here’s the bold question: Is this the start of a new era for OU linebackers, or is the program riding the coattails of a family connection? Witten’s talent is undeniable, but his decision has sparked debates about legacy recruiting versus program fit. What do you think? Let’s hear your take in the comments. One thing’s for sure—Cooper Witten is a name you’ll be hearing a lot more of in the coming years.
