The rivalry between Miami and Notre Dame is a fierce one that spans back many years. It is also a rivalry that isn't just on the field, but on the recruiting trail as well, as both programs have the funds and history of bringing in top recruits in the country.
Miami head coach Mario Cristobal and Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman seem to go head-to-head quite a bit on the recruiting trail. The Hurricanes already took a loss from the Irish this week, losing out on five-star offensive tackle Oluwasemilore Olubobola, who could have been a big centerpiece of the 2027 recruiting class.
Now, Miami has suffered its second recruiting loss of the week at the hands of Notre Dame, losing out on another 5-star recruit.
Miami suffers second recruiting loss at the hands of Notre Dame losing 5-star DL David Folorunsho
It was expected, but five-star defensive lineman David Folorunsho has committed to Notre Dame, picking the Irish over Miami and Texas Tech. Folorunsho was predicted to land with the Irish early in the week, but there was still some hope that Miami could make a late push.
BREAKING: Five-Star DL David Folorunsho has Committed to Notre Dame, he tells me for @Rivals⁰
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) May 15, 2026
The 6’4 285 DL chose the Fighting Irish over Miami, Georgia, and Texas Tech
He’s the No. 9 Recruit in the 2027 Rivals300
“Love thee Notre Dame☘️ #GoIrish”https://t.co/vmahwqDtDy pic.twitter.com/iBfhYD9E69
Folorunsho is the No. 37 player in the class of 2027, the No. 3 defensive linemen in the class, and the No. 1 player in the state of Illinois, according to Rivals Industry Rankings. With only 11 commits in the Class of 2027, Miami could have still used Folorunsho, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
Right now, the Hurricanes have just two defensive linemen and one EDGE rusher in the 2027 class, but still need more on the defensive side. Folorunsho was down to three schools, but this race always felt like it was between Miami and Notre Dame.
There are many factors as to why Folorunsho picked the Irish over the Hurricanes, one of the biggest being proximity. Notre Dame is closer to home for Folorunsho, but the Irish have also done well in developing defensive talent over the last few years, although not as well as Miami.
The Hurricanes just sent a defensive lineman to the NFL in the first round of the NFL Draft, as Rueben Bain Jr. went to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That potential development with the Hurricanes just wasn't enough for Folorunso to pick Miami, though.
Now the attention will turn to Mark Matthews, for whom Miami also got some bad news, with him leaning more towards Texas A&M than the Hurricanes. It hasn't been the best week for Cristobal and Miami, but there is still a lot of time left in this recruiting cycle, and the summer can be very promising.
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