‘Tennessee isn’t heavily pursuing him’ – Vols insider breaks down UT’s approach to recruiting Jason Witten’s son

**‘Tennessee Isn’t Heavily Pursuing Him’ – Vols Insider Breaks Down UT’s Approach to Recruiting Jason Witten’s Son**

 

The recruitment of Cooper Witten — son of NFL legend and longtime Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten — has naturally attracted attention across the college football landscape. But according to a recent update from a Tennessee insider, the Vols are not aggressively pursuing the younger Witten despite his family ties to the program.

 

While many fans assumed that Cooper, a tight end prospect in his own right, would be a top priority for Tennessee due to his father’s deep football roots and Tennessee legacy, sources close to the program say the coaching staff is taking a more measured approach.

“Tennessee isn’t recruiting him like a top-tier target,” one Vols insider revealed. “They’re evaluating him, of course, but he’s not a main focus in this cycle — at least not right now.”

Jason Witten, a former Tennessee Volunteer standout before his decorated NFL career, has remained connected to the program over the years. That connection fueled speculation that his son would be a natural fit in Knoxville. However, the Vols coaching staff appears to be prioritizing other targets at the position based on scheme fit, athletic traits, and production.

Cooper Witten, currently playing at Liberty Christian School in Texas where his father coaches, has drawn some regional interest but isn’t yet rated as a high-profile recruit nationally. That could change with a strong senior season, but for now, Tennessee seems content to monitor his development rather than actively recruit him.

Still, the situation remains fluid. Legacy players often gain momentum late in the process, especially if interest from other programs starts to rise. For now, however, it appears the Vols are charting their own course at tight end — and it doesn’t currently include a heavy push for the younger Witten.

The door isn’t fully closed, but the message from Knoxville is clear: this recruitment isn’t being driven by nostalgia. It’s being guided by evaluation and fit.