Notre Dame Football Receives Recruiting Help From 5-Star Defensive Lineman

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish made a big splash when landing defensive lineman David Folorunsho in the 2027 recruiting class. The five-star prospect, according to Rivals, committed to the Fighting Irish on May 15.

He's one of the headline pieces to a 2027 cycle that ranks seventh in the nation with 18 commitments. While Folorunsho is the first defensive lineman in the group, he is working toward helping Notre Dame build at the position.

When speaking to Rivals' Allen Trieu, the five-star recruit revealed he is actively recruiting defensive linemen Brayden Parks to the Fighting Irish. The two pass rushers train together, according to Trieu.

"Yes, I am recruiting him," Folorunsho said. "I tell him man, join the family, man. I mean, it's close to home. I'm pretty sure that he has a family member that went there as well. So, you know, he has family roots. So right now, we'd be a great duo."

Also out of Chicago, Parks is a four-star recruit, the No. 22 defensive lineman and the No. 188 player in the nation. As a junior at Brother Rice High School, he accumulated 44 tackles, six tackles for loss and two sacks in 13 games.

Folorunsho's influence appears to be paying off. The Rivals Recruiting Prediction Machine gives Notre Dame an 89.1% chance of landing Parks' commitment.

However, the 6-foot-0.75, 308-pound pass rusher is keeping his options open. He has official visits scheduled with the Ohio State Buckeyes (May 29), Fighting Irish (June 12) and Oregon Ducks (June 19). Each has been named as his three finalists.

Related: Brendan Sorsby Makes Strong Statement After NCAA Denies Eligibility Request

Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This story was originally published May 27, 2026 at 10:42 AM.