Schools to Watch After 4-Star DT Donovan Jeter Decommitted from Notre Dame

It’s been a tough season for Notre Dame on the field, but fans of the Fighting Irish could take solace in a recruiting class currently rated among the nation’s top 10 in the 2017 cycle.

The Irish class took a hit on Tuesday as 4-star defensive end Donovan Jeter announced he was reopening his recruitment, via Twitter: 

"

After praying and thinking about it I've decided to decommit from Norte dame but they are still my top school. I am opening my recruitment 

— 5⃣God (@JeteNificent34) October 18, 2016"

The 6'6", 261-pounder committed to the Irish on Sept. 19. While his pledge lasted nearly a month, he maintains that Notre Dame is still his "top school."

However, now that he’s open to listen to his other suitors, which schools are the main ones to pay attention to as his recruitment plays out? 

Let’s take a look at a few of his options.

Oklahoma 

Ironically, less than an hour after he announced his decommitment, Jeter picked up an offer from Big 12 power Oklahoma.

That offer could be appealing to Jeter considering that the Sooners may have playing time to sell to any defensive end recruit.

"

Blessed to say I received an offer from The university of Oklahoma  pic.twitter.com/WPO5AEMfXQ

— 5⃣God (@JeteNificent34) October 18, 2016"

According to Ourlads, all four of the Sooners' top defensive ends are upperclassmen—including two seniors.

While it remains to be seen how much of a factor the Sooners can become with Jeter, the combination of their need for defensive ends and the timing of their offer seems to be a perfect launching pad to begin their pursuit of him.

Penn State

With Jeter hailing from Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, it makes sense that in-state Big Ten power Penn State would figure into his recruiting process.

The Nittany Lions could get the first chance to host him in the aftermath of his decommitment.

As Stephen Pianovich of Land of 10 noted, Jeter is scheduled to be in attendance for the Nittany Lions' home contest against Ohio State this weekend.

The Nittany Lions have a pair of defensive ends committed in their 2017 class. However, Jeter is a versatile, in-state lineman who could contribute inside or outside along the defensive line—which could make him a priority for head coach James Franklin and his staff down the stretch.

Pittsburgh

Shortly before he pledged to the Irish, Jeter made an unofficial visit to Pittsburgh for its thrilling home win over Penn State.

Similar to Oklahoma’s situation at defensive end, the Panthers are also courting potential impact players who could contribute early in their careers.

"

Well... #BeatPennState #H2P #PittIsLit 

— 5⃣God (@JeteNificent34) September 10, 2016"

As detailed by Ourlads, the Panthers depth chart features three upperclassmen at the position.

With Pitt’s campus being roughly less than an hour away from his hometown, the Panthers have opportunity and location working in their favor in their pursuit of Jeter.

The Field

With nearly 30 offers to his credit, Jeter has the option of going back to square one and re-evaluating some schools he would like to take a closer look at.

Among the schools who have offered him, he was able to visit both Ohio State and West Virginia last year, according to 247Sports.

Additionally, he holds offers from eight SEC schools and seven Big Ten programs—which could offer a glimpse into the pool of programs he chooses to monitor in the coming months.

While the in-state programs offer a strong starting point, the scheduling of his visits will provide the biggest clue as to where Jeter eventually lands on national signing day.

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes obtained firsthand and all recruiting information courtesy of Scout.com.