Welcome to Episode 136 of the Texas HS Football Podcast with host Taylor Arenz.
This week, Taylor sits down with Liberty Christian linebacker Cooper Witten. He enters his senior season as one of Texas’ most recognizable recruits. However, the conversation goes beyond rankings, offers, and his famous last name. (247Sports)
Witten discusses offseason training, leadership, and expectations for Liberty Christian. He also explains why Oklahoma became the right choice. Additionally, he talks about continuing his football journey near his father, Jason Witten, in Norman.
The episode follows a player preparing for two major transitions. First, he wants to finish high school the right way. Then, he will join one of college football’s demanding defensive programs.
Cooper Witten Prepares for His Senior Season
For Witten, the immediate focus remains Liberty Christian. Recruiting attention follows him everywhere, but his senior season comes first.
During the interview, he discusses the work required during the offseason. He also explains how he prepared for a larger leadership role. That responsibility matters because Liberty Christian is entering a new coaching chapter.
Meanwhile, Witten wants the Warriors to maintain their championship standard. The program won consecutive TAPPS state championships in 2023 and 2024 under Jason Witten. Those were Liberty Christian’s first back-to-back football titles. The 2024 championship was also its first in TAPPS Division I.
Now, Cooper Witten is one of the veterans responsible for carrying that standard forward. He has lined up at linebacker, safety, and wide receiver.
Additionally, his production has made him much more than a recognizable name. Witten recorded 87 tackles, nine tackles for loss, two sacks, and seven forced fumbles as a junior. He also caught 41 passes for 709 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Those numbers explain why opponents must account for him on nearly every snap.
Why Cooper Witten Chose Oklahoma
Witten committed to Oklahoma in March 2026 after considering several major programs. His reported finalists included Georgia, Texas A&M, and Tennessee. CBS Sports identified him as the top-rated linebacker in the 2027 class when he committed.
However, his Oklahoma choice was not based only on family. In the interview, Witten discusses the factors that separated the Sooners.
He points to Oklahoma’s defensive identity, coaching relationships, and development plan. Those factors gave him confidence in the program’s direction. Additionally, Oklahoma recruited him early and made him feel like a priority.
The Sooners also offer a scheme that fits his strengths. Witten plays with speed, instincts, and physicality. He can attack downhill, cover space, and create turnovers. Therefore, he brings the flexibility modern defenses value.
247Sports lists Witten at 6-foot-1.5 and 220 pounds. The service ranks him No. 31 nationally in its current composite. It also credits him with 29 scholarship offers
Still, Witten does not treat his commitment as a finish line. Instead, he views it as another step in his development.
A Rare Two-Way Athletic Profile
Witten’s football background stands out because he has produced on both sides of the ball.
As a freshman, he finished with 82 tackles, two interceptions, and three blocked kicks. Then, as a sophomore, he added 45 tackles and five interceptions. Two interceptions became touchdowns.
Meanwhile, his offensive role continued growing. He became a major receiving threat during his junior season. His 709 receiving yards came at 17.3 yards per catch.
Beyond football, Witten has competed in basketball and track. He posted a 10.91-second 100-meter time as a sophomore. That speed is unusual for a player weighing around 220 pounds.
As a result, recruiting analysts project him as a flexible second-level defender. He has enough range to play in space. He also has enough power to finish tackles inside the box.
MaxPreps listed Witten with 61 solo tackles and 12.4 tackles per game in 2025. The site also credited him with seven forced fumbles.
Those statistics support what appears on film. Witten consistently creates impact plays.
Football, Family, and a New Chapter
Naturally, the interview also covers Cooper’s relationship with his father.
Jason Witten coached Liberty Christian for five seasons before joining Oklahoma in January 2026. He now serves as the Sooners’ tight ends coach. His Oklahoma biography credits him with 17 NFL seasons, 1,228 receptions, and 11 Pro Bowl selections.
For Cooper, that move created an unusual opportunity. He can continue his playing career at the same university where his father coaches.
However, Cooper’s path remains his own. He plays defense, while his father coaches tight ends. He must earn his role inside a talented Oklahoma program.
During the conversation, Witten explains what he learned from growing up around football. He also discusses the standards that shaped his preparation and leadership.
At Liberty Christian, he now faces another adjustment. The Warriors will have a new head coach and a different voice. Therefore, Witten’s experience should matter throughout the transition.
He knows the culture and expectations behind the program’s recent success. More importantly, he can help younger players understand those standards.
What Warrior Fans Can Expect
Witten enters his final high school season with several goals ahead.
First, he wants Liberty Christian to compete at a championship level. Next, he wants to grow as a leader and complete player. Finally, he wants to arrive at Oklahoma ready for college football.
That combination should make his senior season one of Texas’ most followed stories. The recruiting decision is complete. Now, the focus returns to Friday nights.
Episode 136 gives fans a closer look at the player behind the profile. Witten discusses recruiting without turning the conversation into an offer list. He talks about family without allowing the family name to define everything.
Most importantly, he explains what he expects from himself.
For fans of Texas high school football, Oklahoma recruiting, or future college stars, this episode offers plenty. It provides an early look at a linebacker with the tools to become a major defensive piece in Norman.
