Indiana’s new head coach Curt Cignetti and his staff are wasting no time building momentum on the recruiting trail. Over the weekend, the Hoosiers hosted two Junior Day events, giving some of their top 2027 targets a closer look at what’s brewing in Bloomington.
One of those visitors was David Folorunsho, a 6-foot-4, 280-pound defensive lineman out of St. Patrick High School in Chicago - and he left campus with plenty to think about.
Folorunsho, a three-star prospect and one of the top-ranked defensive linemen in the Midwest, came away impressed not just by the facilities or the fanfare, but by the depth of the conversations he had with Indiana’s coaching staff. For a player who’s already drawing attention from powerhouse programs across the Big Ten and beyond, it was the personal attention and football IQ on display from Cignetti’s staff that stood out.
“The visit went great,” Folorunsho said. “I had some in-depth conversations with the coaches about scheme, development, and how they want to use me in their defense.
Everyone was friendly and extremely helpful. I loved how they gave me feedback on what to get better at.”
That kind of developmental focus is clearly resonating with Folorunsho, who prides himself on being a student of the game. He’s not just looking for a place to play - he’s looking for a program that can sharpen his skills and elevate his ceiling.
Indiana’s message? You already play our brand of football.
“They really like my playstyle,” he said. “They expressed how it would fit perfectly into the defense.”
That’s a strong endorsement, especially for a player whose game is built on power, versatility, and a motor that doesn't quit. Folorunsho’s frame and explosiveness make him a natural fit in multiple fronts, and Indiana’s staff made it clear they see him as someone who could plug in and thrive early.
But it wasn’t just the Xs and Os that caught Folorunsho’s attention. Indiana’s improbable run to the 2025 National Championship - accomplished without a single five-star recruit on the roster - left a lasting impression.
“It’s extremely impressive, especially with no five-stars,” he said. “It really showed how big development is for them.
Indiana has always been high on my list. I love the gritty and disciplined playstyle.”
That underdog mentality? It speaks to Folorunsho’s own approach. He knows he’s made strides, especially during his junior season, but he’s also quick to point out that there’s more work to be done.
“I had a solid junior season, but I definitely know that it wasn’t the best I could’ve done,” he said. “I improved on my get-off and just having multiple moves in my bag.”
That kind of self-awareness - paired with a relentless drive to improve - is part of what makes Folorunsho such an intriguing prospect. He’s currently ranked as the No. 23 player in Illinois and the No. 72 defensive lineman nationally, with a growing offer list that includes Indiana, Iowa, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Penn State, Purdue, Wisconsin, Cincinnati, Kansas State, Kentucky, Miami (FL), Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Miami (OH), and Toledo.
In a recruiting world often dominated by hype and star ratings, Folorunsho is the kind of player who lets his tape - and his work ethic - do the talking. And based on what he saw in Bloomington, Indiana might just be the kind of place where that mindset is not only welcomed, but celebrated.