Notre Dame Intensifies Pursuit of Nation’s Top 2027 LB, Son of Cowboys Legend
Notre Dame is making a significant push for Cooper Witten, the undisputed No. 1 linebacker in the 2027 recruiting class and son of Dallas Cowboys legend Jason Witten. The Fighting Irish are increasingly prioritizing “legacy” recruits, and Cooper Witten perfectly fits that mold, albeit in a unique way given his father’s tight end prowess.
Witten, a standout from Argyle (Texas) Liberty Christian Academy, is scheduled for another visit to South Bend in June, a crucial step in Notre Dame’s aggressive recruitment. The Irish extended an offer to Witten on St. Patrick’s Day, an event he described as a “huge honor.” This upcoming visit will allow him to further immerse himself in the Notre Dame culture and spend more time with Coach Marcus Freeman’s staff, who have clearly made him a top target.
While his father dominated as a tight end for 17 seasons in the NFL, Cooper Witten is carving his own path on the defensive side of the ball. His film showcases elite athleticism and instincts, earning him top billing among linebackers in his class. At 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, he possesses the ideal frame and skill set to be a difference-maker at the collegiate level.
However, the competition for Witten’s commitment is fierce. Powerhouses like Oklahoma, Michigan, Tennessee (his father’s alma mater), Oregon, and others are also heavily involved in his recruitment. Notre Dame’s success in attracting sons of former NFL stars, including Thomas Davis Jr. and Jordan Clark, could play a role in their favor. The Irish are hoping to continue this trend and secure the commitment of a player who could become the cornerstone of their defense for years to come.
