There’s an old saying that often rings true across generations: “Like father, like son.” It’s a phrase that captures the uncanny ways children can resemble their parents—not just in looks or mannerisms, but also in the paths they choose and the legacies they pursue. In the world of football, this adage is taking on new meaning for the Witten family.
Cooper Witten, the son of NFL great Jason Witten, is beginning to carve out his own identity on the gridiron. While he doesn’t play the same position as his father—Jason was a legendary tight end—Cooper is making waves as a linebacker, and he might be heading down a very familiar path, perhaps even attending the same college his father did.
According to recruiting expert Matt Ray of On3, Cooper Witten has plans to visit the University of Tennessee at the end of May. This is no casual visit; it’s a significant development in his recruitment journey, especially since Tennessee was among the first programs to recognize his potential. The Volunteers extended a scholarship offer to Cooper in August of the previous year, just before he began his sophomore season in high school.
Reflecting on that moment, Cooper shared his surprise. “I didn’t really expect it much,” he said about receiving the offer from Tennessee. “I had been in contact with some of the coaches and having some conversations, but I didn’t think the offer would come when it did. There was a strong energy building, like something was going to happen soon, but I didn’t think it would be that day.”
The excitement and unexpected timing of the offer only added to its significance. For a young player trying to make a name for himself, being noticed and appreciated by a school with deep football roots and strong traditions is always a notable milestone.
For the Witten family, Tennessee holds more than just symbolic weight—it’s a part of their personal and athletic history. Jason Witten, Cooper’s father, attended the University of Tennessee and was a standout tight end for the Volunteers. He played three seasons for the team from 2000 through 2002, making a lasting impression during his time there. By his junior year in 2002, Jason recorded 39 receptions, totaling 493 yards and scoring five touchdowns. His performance helped solidify his status as an NFL-caliber player and set the stage for a professional career that would span nearly two decades.
Jason went on to play 17 seasons in the National Football League, 16 of which were spent with the Dallas Cowboys. During that impressive run, he was selected to the Pro Bowl 11 times, a testament to his consistency, skill, and leadership. He remains one of the most respected tight ends in NFL history, known for his work ethic, reliability, and contributions both on and off the field.
Now, the spotlight is gradually shifting to his son. Cooper Witten has already begun to build a strong reputation in his own right. Though still early in his high school career, he’s been turning heads with his performances as a linebacker. According to On3’s recruiting rankings, Cooper is currently the top-rated linebacker in the 2027 recruiting class. That’s a significant accolade, considering how competitive high school football has become, especially with the visibility and analysis brought by recruiting platforms and media coverage.
Cooper’s ascent in the football world is impressive not only because of his pedigree but also due to the clear dedication he’s shown to his craft. Despite his father’s legacy and the high expectations that naturally follow, Cooper is focused on developing his own path. He’s taken the initiative to connect with coaches, put in the work, and improve every season. His humility and sense of surprise at receiving the offer from Tennessee suggest a grounded attitude, one that will likely serve him well as his career progresses.
For Tennessee, the potential of landing Cooper Witten is a tantalizing prospect. Not only would they be adding a highly rated defensive talent to their future roster, but they would also be continuing a legacy that many fans remember fondly. Jason Witten’s time at Tennessee was marked by excellence and leadership, and bringing his son into the fold would be a nod to the program’s history while also looking confidently toward the future.
The connection between family and football is often strong, and it’s clear that the Witten family embodies that tradition. While Cooper is blazing his own trail, the shadow of his father’s accomplishments provides both a benchmark and a source of inspiration. If he does choose to commit to Tennessee, it won’t be merely because of nostalgia or family ties—it will be because it’s the right fit for his growth as a player and a student-athlete.
Of course, Cooper still has time before he needs to make any final decisions about his college destination. With a few years remaining in high school, he’ll likely receive additional offers and attention from other top programs around the country. His performance on the field will continue to shape his trajectory, and each visit, conversation, and experience will help him determine the best path forward.
For now, though, his upcoming visit to Tennessee stands out as a pivotal moment. It represents more than just a recruiting trip—it’s a chance to walk the same campus his father once did, to envision his own future in a place that already holds deep personal meaning. Whether or not he ultimately chooses the Volunteers, the journey itself is a testament to how talent, legacy, and determination can come together in powerful ways.
As Cooper Witten continues to rise in the ranks, fans and recruiters alike will be watching closely. And while the phrase “like father, like son” might suggest a predictable path, Cooper seems poised to make his own mark in a way that honors the past while forging something entirely his own.