Ohio State Makes Strong Push for Five-Star Linebacker Cooper Witten After Coaching Shakeup

The Ohio State Buckeyes are actively pursuing Cooper Witten, a five-star linebacker and son of NFL legend Jason Witten. Witten is considered one of the top defensive prospects in the country, currently ranked as the No. 1 linebacker and the No. 17 overall player in the class of 2027, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings. His recruitment took an unexpected turn with the recent departure of Ohio State’s defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles.

James Laurinaitis Quickly Impresses Witten With NFL Experience and Hands-On Coaching Style

Despite the coaching shift, Ohio State’s new defensive coordinator, James Laurinaitis, has wasted no time making an impact. Laurinaitis, a former standout linebacker himself, impressed Witten during a recent Ohio State recruiting camp. His NFL experience and hands-on coaching seem to have resonated well with Witten, who praised the former pro for his knowledge and teaching ability during the camp sessions.

After attending the camp, Witten had high praise for Laurinaitis, calling him a “great coach” and highlighting how much he learned. The Texas native seemed genuinely engaged by Laurinaitis’ coaching, saying he gained valuable insights he could take back to his high school team. This kind of feedback is promising for Ohio State’s recruiting efforts, especially in the wake of the coaching change.

Distance Doesn’t Matter as Witten Focuses on Fit and Making an Impact

Although Witten hails from Texas and is being recruited by in-state powerhouse Texas Longhorns, he downplayed the importance of staying close to home. According to Witten, his main priorities are finding a program that values him and where he can make a significant impact. This openness to relocating out of state could be a major advantage for the Buckeyes in a competitive recruiting battle.

The Buckeyes extended a scholarship offer to Witten just last month, signaling their strong interest. Combined with the positive rapport being built between Witten and Laurinaitis, Ohio State remains a serious contender in his recruitment. While it’s still early in the process, the Buckeyes appear to be positioning themselves well to land one of the most coveted defensive players in the 2027 class.