Five-star defensive lineman David Folorunsho is officially on the clock, as he has moved up the timeline and set a firm date for his commitment: May 15. According to a social media post, Folorunsho has narrowed his choices to a final five college football powerhouses and plans to announce his decision in mid-May, live on the Rivals YouTube channel. Ranked No. 9 overall and No. 2 at his position in the 2027 Rivals 300, Folorunsho has trimmed his list down to five programs: Georgia, Notre Dame, Miami, Michigan, and Texas Tech.
Folorunsho was once a three-star prospect flying under the national radar, but he surged into the top 10 after a dominant junior season. At 6-foot-4 and 285 pounds, Folorunsho posted 55 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and five sacks. Obviously, those numbers are what validated the ranking jump and triggered a wave of elite offers.
Notre Dame’s Built-In Edge
If there is one program leading the pack and swinging momentum, it’s Notre Dame, and there’s good reason. Head coach Marcus Freeman brings defensive credibility, but also, Folorunsho’s high school has ties to the Irish that run deep. Head coach at Chicago’s St. Patrick’s, Tom Zbikowski, and school president Ian Book both have Notre Dame roots, giving the program early and consistent access.
Folorunsho has visited South Bend multiple times this spring and has spoken highly of the culture under Freeman, emphasizing player connection and buy-in. Notre Dame also has an official visit scheduled for June 12, which comes after the commitment date, a subtle but telling sign of confidence in where things stand.
Where Texas Tech Stands in the Recruiting Battle
The Rivals prediction machine currently gives Notre Dame a 76.1% chance to land Folorunsho, with Texas Tech Red Raiders football sitting second at 19.2%. Texas Tech is the outlier but could also be the disruptor. The Red Raiders have built serious traction in the 2027 recruiting cycle and currently sit No. 2 in the Rivals Industry team rankings. Folorunsho left Lubbock impressed, and if there’s a program positioned to crash the blue-blood party, this is it.
This article originally appeared on Red Raiders Wire: David Folorunsho commitment date set, five-star DL down to 5 schools
Reporting by Lauren Beasley, Red Raiders Wire / Red Raiders Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

