The Oklahoma Sooners football continue to assert their resurgence as one of college football’s elite programs on the recruiting trail, landing yet another five-star prospect in the highly competitive Class of 2027. With their momentum building under head coach Brent Venables, Oklahoma has emerged as a destination of choice for elite talent — and this latest commitment underscores that rising national stature. ([Athlon Sports][1])
While recruiting is still in its early stages for the 2027 cycle, the Sooners have positioned themselves near the top of national class rankings thanks in part to multiple elite commits. The crown jewel of this haul is 5-star linebacker Cooper Witten, a dynamic playmaker from Argyle (Texas) and one of the nation’s top overall prospects. According to multiple national scouting services, Witten is widely regarded as the top linebacker in the country — ranked inside the top 25 overall players nationally — making his commitment a huge win for the Sooners’ future. ([SI][2])
What makes this recruiting victory especially significant is the high-profile competition Oklahoma faced. Witten, the son of Dallas Cowboys legend Jason Witten, was heavily pursued by some of college football’s most prestigious programs, including the Texas Longhorns football, Ole Miss Rebels football, Florida Gators football, and Tennessee Volunteers football, among others. Top programs from the SEC, Big 12, and ACC were all in the mix to secure Witten’s services, but the Sooners ultimately won the battle thanks to a combination of strong relationships, developmental fit, and a compelling vision for the future of the defense. ([Stormin in Norman][3])
The recruitment of Witten isn’t just another star added to the roster — it represents a statement about Oklahoma’s renewed ability to contend for the best high school talent in the country. After posting a 10-3 season and returning to the College Football Playoff under Venables, Oklahoma has reestablished itself as a destination for impact players on both sides of the ball. Landing a 5-star linebacker of Witten’s caliber — especially over traditional powerhouses such as Texas and those in the SEC — shows that the Sooners are back on the recruiting map in a very real way.
Analysts note that Witten’s recruitment reflected not just Oklahoma’s on-field success but the program’s ability to build strong personal connections with recruits and their families. With his father on staff as a coach, Witten has a unique package of professional mentorship and program stability waiting for him in Norman. That combination played a key role in swaying his decision away from programs with deep recruiting pedigrees and long track records of NFL talent development.
For Oklahoma fans, this commitment — on top of already strong early class momentum — is further proof that the Sooners are competing with the best programs in America for high-end talent. As the recruiting cycle progresses, expect Oklahoma to remain in the thick of the battle for elite prospects nationwide.