UNC Football Scores Major Recruiting Win with Flip of 4-Star Safety Jakob Weatherspoon
Carolina football continues to make waves on the recruiting trail, pulling off another major move yesterday. Four-star safety Jakob Weatherspoon, a top prospect in the 2026 class, decommitted from Ohio State and announced his commitment to North Carolina—a stunning flip and one of the biggest recruiting surprises since Bill Belichick took over in Chapel Hill.
Weatherspoon initially pledged to the Buckeyes earlier in 2025, but just six weeks after UNC extended an offer, he decided to take his talents to Chapel Hill. It’s a massive pickup for the Tar Heels, and one that sends a clear message: Belichick and his staff are serious players in the recruiting game.
A 5-foot-10 safety from Avon High School in Avon, Ohio, Weatherspoon is ranked No. 178 nationally and is the 14th-best safety in the 2026 class, per the 247Sports Composite. He’s also considered the ninth-best player in the state of Ohio—a major achievement for UNC given the Buckeyes’ usual dominance in their home state.
With Weatherspoon now in the fold, North Carolina has climbed in the 2026 recruiting rankings. They’ve moved up from No. 20 to No. 17 on 247Sports’ list, marking significant momentum for a program that hasn’t cracked the top 20 since the 2022 class ranked No. 11 nationally.
Under Belichick, UNC has now secured commitments from five four-star players, including two who rank in the top 20 at their respective positions. The crown jewel of the class so far is quarterback Travis Burgess, who currently stands as the seventh-ranked QB in the country.
Belichick’s presence has clearly energized the program. While there are still plenty of unknowns about how his NFL success will translate to the college game, one thing is clear: prospects are excited about the opportunity to play for him. That’s a refreshing change after the final years of the Mack Brown era, which saw a noticeable drop in recruiting energy and results.
Of course, momentum can shift quickly in college football. If Belichick struggles in his first few seasons, recruiting buzz could fade. But for now, UNC is trending upward—and fast.
What are your thoughts on Jakob Weatherspoon’s commitment and the job Belichick and his staff are doing on the recruiting trail? Sound off in the comments below.
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