The Ohio State Buckeyes snagged a commitment from a four-star Class of 2026 defensive back Thursday. Jakob Weatherspoon, from Avon, OH, intends to start his college football career in Columbus.
Weatherspoon is ranked as the 9th-best player from the state of Ohio and the 14th-best athlete in the state by 247Sports. He is sitting as the 220th-best player nationally.
Many in-state schools like Akron and Cincinnati offered Weatherspoon, and he was targeted by bigger programs like Illinois and Duke as well. Even Big Ten sides like Michigan and Penn State tried to get in on the action as the former was the first to offer him a spot in the fall of 2023.
That said, the Buckeyes were able to hit home and keep the in-state product.
BREAKING: 2026 4⭐️ athlete Jakob Weatherspoon has committed to Ohio State. From Avon, OH. #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/p2eNqKKvhJ
— The Buckeye Nut (@TheBuckeyeNut) January 2, 2025
Ohio State has the 12th-ranked Class of 2026, led by Chris Henry Jr., the 13th-best player nationally and second-best wide receiver. Expect Ohio State to play a major role in many other top recruits as commits start flying in over the next six months.