Eric Boggs
Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class took a slight hit this week as four-star defensive back Jakob Weatherspoon unexpectedly flipped his commitment from the Buckeyes to North Carolina. The move raised eyebrows, not only because it came without much warning, but also because of the destination—Bill Belichick’s new-look Tar Heels. While some Buckeye fans joked it might be a player-to-be-named-later in the Beau Atkinson transfer, the reality is this was a calculated decision on Weatherspoon’s part that may have as much to do with opportunity as it does with scheme fit.
Weatherspoon, the No. 178 overall player and No. 14 safety in the 2026 class per 247Sports Composite, had originally committed to Ohio State back in January. While listed as a cornerback by the Buckeyes, much of the recruiting industry projected him as a safety at the next level. That distinction may have played a major role in his decision to flip, as Ohio State is already loaded at safety in this cycle with elite commitments from Blaine Bradford and Simeon Caldwell—and potentially Bralan Womack joining them next month. Simply put, the path to the field in Columbus may have appeared a bit crowded.
From Ohio State’s perspective, the decommitment isn’t ideal but hardly alarming. The Buckeyes still hold 20 commitments in the 2026 class, and more importantly, the one remaining cornerback pledge, Jordan Thomas, is a high-priority, top-of-the-board recruit for Tim Walton. Thomas’ presence softens the blow, and there’s still time for Ohio State to either flip another top corner like Danny Odem or evaluate senior risers this fall. If needed, the transfer portal will remain a viable option next offseason to bolster the depth chart.
While losing a four-star talent stings on paper, this move appears to be more about fit and playing time than anything else. Ohio State continues to stack elite talent in the secondary and remains in strong position to finish with one of the nation’s best defensive back hauls. Weatherspoon’s flip may alter the numbers slightly, but it doesn’t change the Buckeyes’ overall trajectory or recruiting momentum in the 2026 cycle.
