Five-star DT David Folorunsho alters Notre Dame history — and maybe its future as well

Steve Niehaus and David Folorunsho — The verbal commitment of David Folorunsho (right) puts him on track to be the first five-star defensive tackle to sign with Notre Dame since Steve Niehaus (left) in 1972. Photos by Malcolm Emmons/USA TODAY Network and Twitter/X.

Five-star defensive tackle David Folorunsho’s commitment gave Notre Dame something it hasn’t had in generations — but the bigger story may be what comes next. With Marcus Freeman and Charlie Partridge reshaping the Irish defensive line recruiting profile, longtime analyst Tom Lemming believes Folorunsho could be the start of something much larger.