Eric Weddle news
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The gist
Utah will add Eric Weddle to its Ring of Honor at halftime against Arkansas.
The honor caps his Utes career as his son Gaige draws top-recruit attention.
Background
Weddle played for the Utes from 2003-06 and is part of the 2026 NFF College Football Hall of Fame class. A consensus First Team All-American in 2006 and two-time Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year, he helped Utah to a 37-12 record, four straight bowl wins and the 12-0 Fiesta Bowl season in 2004. He becomes the second Ute player in the Hall, joining Alex Smith. He later went to six Pro Bowls and made the NFL's 2010s All-Decade team.
How it unfolded
- Sep 8, 2026Utah and the National Football Foundation announce an NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute for Weddle on Sept. 12 during the Utes' home game against Arkansas.
- Sep 9, 2026Gaige Weddle is set for a Utah visit as Eric Weddle enters the Ring of Honor.
- Sep 10, 2026Reports say Weddle's name will be added to the Ring of Honor at Rice-Eccles Stadium, nearly 25 years after Utah gave him a chance.
- Sep 11, 2026Oregon is set to host 2028 safety Gaige Weddle, son of the former NFL All-Pro, for its Nov. 14 game against Michigan.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell called Weddle a relentless ballhawk who made big plays when Utah needed them most and said the NFF is thrilled to honor him at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
- Analysts
- Recruiting coverage frames Oregon's visit with Gaige Weddle as a chance to move up his list late in the season.
Still unverified
Gaige Weddle hasn't spoken much about Oregon early in his recruiting process, though committing to a visit suggests mutual interest; Ohio State and Georgia are considered the leaders, with a late Oregon visit potentially pushing the Ducks up his list. One report says Eric Weddle could eventually have a real shot at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.