2026 DB Jakob Weatherspoon Previews Notre Dame Return

After earning a scholarship offer at a Notre Dame camp back in June, Jakob Weatherspoon‍ will be back in South Bend this weekend for the Irish’s game against Florida State, a trip the top 2026 Ohio defensive back intended to make all along. 

“I knew I was going to go from the beginning of the year when I first found out about it, and then I just confirmed it this week,” Weatherspoon told Irish Sports Daily this week. “I just felt like I definitely needed a game at Notre Dame.”

In addition to Notre Dame, the 5-foot-11, 172-pounder also has offers from schools like Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State and Wisconsin among several others. 

He’s already visited Ohio State and Penn State twice this fall and made a trip to Wisconsin as well. He has plans to return to Columbus later this month for the Buckeyes’ game against Michigan. 

But this weekend, the Irish will have his attention, which they’ve had since june.

“Definitely the environment,” Weatherspoon said of what stands out about Notre Dame. “From the camp, all the staff, I loved them all, especially Coach (Marcus) Freeman. He was cool. I had to go talk with him and Larry Fitzgerald was talking to me and everything. I just love it overall over there.”

He’s kept in steady contact with Irish defensive coordinator Al Golden and defensive backs coach Mike Mickens for months.

“Just keep working, hope they see me soon,” Weatherspoon said of their message to him. “Hopefully I get to see them this weekend and get some words in with them.

“I think they're great guys.”

He’s also looking forward to getting an overall feel for the program on Saturday.

“Definitely the rotations of the corners, how they play, how the team is, how the fans are, how much they actually care,” he said. 

Weaterspoon expects to have a final decision sometime in the spring and said he may publish a trimmed-down list of favorites soon.

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