In a major recruiting bombshell that has left Buckeye Nation stunned and recruiting insiders scrambling for answers, four-star defensive back Jakob Weatherspoon has officially flipped his commitment from Ohio State to the University of North Carolina.
Weatherspoon, an Ohio native and one of the most highly sought-after prospects in the 2025 recruiting class, had been solidly committed to the Buckeyes for months. Many believed he would be a cornerstone of Ryan Day’s defensive rebuild. His loyalty to his home-state program was never in question — until now.
Just weeks ago, Weatherspoon expressed strong admiration for the Buckeye coaching staff, stating in an interview with Bucknuts, “I love the coaching staff. They’re all great dudes. And it seems like they think highly of me. Coach (Tim) Walton and Coach (Gerren) DuHart are in touch every day.” That sentiment made his sudden departure from the class even more shocking to fans and insiders alike.
Recruiting analysts were quick to call this one of the more surprising flips of the recruiting cycle. Weatherspoon’s talent and potential made him a prized catch for any Power 5 program. Rated as a top-100 national recruit and one of the best defensive backs in the Midwest, his commitment was a major win for Ohio State when he announced it earlier this year. Now, it’s an even bigger loss.
North Carolina, led by head coach Mack Brown, has quietly assembled a formidable recruiting effort in recent cycles, especially in the defensive backfield. Weatherspoon’s decision to flip his pledge suggests that the Tar Heels have not only been persistent behind the scenes but have presented a compelling vision for his future — both on and off the field.
Sources close to the situation suggest that a recent visit to Chapel Hill may have played a crucial role in the decision. The visit reportedly went very well, with Weatherspoon bonding strongly with the Tar Heel staff and being impressed by their facilities, academic support system, and the opportunity for early playing time.
The flip is undoubtedly a major blow to Ohio State’s 2025 class, which had been ranked among the top five in the nation. Losing a player of Weatherspoon’s caliber — particularly to a non-Big Ten school — raises questions about how the Buckeyes will respond on the recruiting trail. Will they look to fill the gap with an under-the-radar prospect? Or perhaps double down on flipping another recruit from a rival program?
For North Carolina, this is a massive win and a statement that the Tar Heels can compete with the traditional blue bloods for elite talent. Weatherspoon’s commitment is not only a boost to the secondary but also a morale and momentum swing as they continue to build toward national relevance.
As of now, Weatherspoon has not publicly shared the full details behind his decision, but it’s clear that the pull of North Carolina was too strong to resist. Whether it was the coaching pitch, the campus culture, or a clearer path to playing time, something changed his mind — and it’s shaken up the recruiting world in a big way.
Stay tuned — the 2025 recruiting cycle just got a whole lot more interesting.