Eric Boggs
Just one day after securing a Rose Bowl victory, the Buckeyes landed their first defensive commitment for the 2026 class as four-star in-state cornerback Jakob Weatherspoon announced his decision to join Ohio State on Thursday. Weatherspoon becomes the fourth commit in the class, joining wide receivers Chris Henry Jr. and Jaeden Ricketts and tight end Corbyn Fordham.
Weatherspoon, a standout junior from Avon, Ohio, has long been a fan of the Buckeyes. His Ohio State offer came after an impressive performance at a recruiting camp in June. “It meant a lot to me being from Ohio and getting an Ohio State offer,” Weatherspoon told Eleven Warriors. “I worked hard for it. They told me I’d have to come to camp and earn it. When I got the offer, I was really excited.”
Since that summer camp, Walton and other Ohio State staff members maintained daily contact with Weatherspoon, solidifying their relationship. “Coach Walton is like a second father to me,” Weatherspoon said. “He would check in with me before school and FaceTime me almost every day. Everyone at Ohio State just showed me love. The Scarlet and Gray, it’s just me. That’s what I am.”
Walton’s personal touch and deep ties to Ohio State, dating back to 1989, resonated with Weatherspoon. The coaching staff’s efforts included video calls with former Buckeyes players, showcasing the program’s rich history and culture. “It’s about relationships,” said Avon head coach Mike Elder. “I think Ohio State has a strong culture that’s hard to find in college football today. Jakob felt that connection, and it’s exciting for him.”
Weatherspoon’s junior season was nothing short of stellar. He helped lead Avon to a perfect 16-0 record and a Division II state championship. Standing at 6 feet and 180 pounds, Weatherspoon tallied 30 tackles, four tackles for loss, three pass breakups, and one interception despite being limited by minor injuries and lopsided games. His efforts earned him first-team Division II All-Ohio honors. Additionally, he showcased elite speed on the track, earning state meet placements as a freshman and sophomore.
Ranked as the No. 164 overall prospect in the 2026 class by 247Sports’ composite rankings, Weatherspoon chose Ohio State over nearly two dozen Power Five offers, including Michigan, Notre Dame, Penn State, and Oregon. Indiana extended an offer just hours before his commitment, but the Buckeyes’ combination of proximity, tradition, and coaching sealed the deal.
Avon head coach Mike Elder praised Weatherspoon’s decision to stay close to home. “These are not easy decisions for 17-year-olds,” Elder said. “Jakob had great opportunities, but he wanted to play for the Buckeyes. Now it’s time to focus on getting better individually and as a team.”
Weatherspoon’s commitment came just after Ohio State’s dominant victory over top-seeded Oregon in the national quarterfinals. Watching the game, Weatherspoon focused intently on the Buckeyes’ secondary. “I want to see what they are doing to stop those receivers, and they did a great job,” he said.
The Avon program will continue to shine on both sides of the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry. Weatherspoon’s teammate, offensive lineman Luke Hamilton, is committed to Michigan. “It’ll be exciting to see Avon Eagles on both sides of the field,” Elder noted. “Wherever our kids go, I’m going to support them.”
Weatherspoon’s commitment marks a promising start to Ohio State’s 2026 defensive recruiting efforts, with Walton leading the charge to keep Ohio’s best talent close to home. For Weatherspoon, the decision fulfills a lifelong dream and sets the stage for an exciting future in Scarlet and Gray.
