Chicago Defensive Lineman Surges Up National Recruiting Rankings

Notre Dame target David Folorunsho jumps to No. 13 overall in 2027 class

Feb. 23, 2026 at 10:21pm

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David Folorunsho, a top defensive line prospect in the 2027 recruiting class, has seen his stock skyrocket over the last year, jumping from an unranked recruit to the No. 13 overall player and No. 2 defensive lineman in the class according to Rivals. Folorunsho plays at St. Patrick High School in Chicago, which is coached by former Notre Dame football great Tom Zbikowski.

Why it matters

Notre Dame is among the many top programs pursuing Folorunsho, who has the potential to be a major impact player at the college level. Landing a highly-ranked recruit like Folorunsho would be a big boost for the Fighting Irish's future defensive line.

The details

Folorunsho has gone from being an unrated recruit to earning a top-15 overall ranking in the 2027 class, making him the second-highest rated defensive lineman. In addition to Zbikowski, another former Notre Dame player, Dan Santucci, serves as the president of St. Patrick High School.

  • Folorunsho's stock has skyrocketed in the last year, going from unranked to the No. 13 overall player in the 2027 class.

The players

David Folorunsho

A top defensive line prospect in the 2027 recruiting class who has seen his stock rise dramatically over the last year.

Tom Zbikowski

The head coach at St. Patrick High School in Chicago and a former Notre Dame football great.

Dan Santucci

A former Notre Dame offensive lineman who is the president of St. Patrick High School.

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What they’re saying

“Folorunsho got a major bump in the @Rivals today, going from unranked to the No. 13 overall player and No. 2 DL in the 2027 class ‼️☘️”

— Mike Singer

What’s next

Experts believe Notre Dame has a strong chance of landing Folorunsho, who has indicated the Fighting Irish would check many of the boxes he is looking for in a college program.

The takeaway

This recruitment highlights Notre Dame's ability to attract top defensive line talent, especially when they have connections to the program like Folorunsho does through his high school coach Tom Zbikowski. Landing a player of Folorunsho's caliber would be a major coup for the Fighting Irish's future.