The college football recruiting landscape was shaken this week as David Folorunsho, a five‑star defensive lineman from Chicago St. Patrick, officially pledged to the University of Notre Dame. The announcement, made public on social media, marks a major recruiting win for head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff.
Folorunsho, ranked No. 9 in the 2027 class by Rivals, narrowed his choices to five programs before selecting Notre Dame over finalists that included Miami, Texas Tech, Georgia and Michigan. His decision is being hailed as historically significant because he could become the first five‑star defensive tackle to join the Irish since 1972.
A Historic Milestone for the Program
The influence of defensive line coach Charlie Partridge emerged as a pivotal factor in the recruit's thinking. Partridge’s reputation as a developer of elite talent convinced Folorunsho that Notre Dame offered the ideal environment to hone his skills.
Family involvement also played a decisive role. Folorunsho’s mother was won over during a visit to campus when she met head coach Marcus Freeman, while former Notre Dame players such as Tom Zbikowski and St. Patrick president Dan Santucci advocated for the program throughout the recruitment.
The commitment comes after a breakout junior season in which Folorunsho recorded 56 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and six sacks, earning scholarship offers from 28 Power Four programs. Rivals elevated him to five‑star status, ranking him as the No. 2 defensive lineman nationally and the top player in Illinois.
Folorunsho’s pledge is contingent on him staying within the top 32 recruits and signing in December, but he says he now enters his senior season with full confidence in Freeman’s program and a clear vision for his future.