Samwise College Football Newsletter
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Notre Dame Lands 5-Star DL David Folorunsho Over Miami, Georgia
David Folorunsho, the No. 9 overall prospect and No. 2 defensive lineman in Rivals’ 2027 recruiting rankings, has committed to Notre Dame, choosing the Fighting Irish over finalists Miami, Texas Tech, Michigan, and Georgia. The 6-foot-3, 285-pound defensive tackle from St. Patrick High School in Chicago was heavily recruited by the SEC and Big Ten. Head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff played a key role in the pursuit. Folorunsho becomes Notre Dame’s 17th commitment in its 2027 class, a significant addition to what is already considered one of the nation’s top defensive line hauls. His high school coach, Tommy Zbikowski, is a former Notre Dame safety.
Sources: Yahoo Sports
ACC Unveils Full 2026 Friday Football Schedule
The ACC has released its complete 2026 Friday night football schedule, featuring 15 games across the season. The slate opens September 4 with Miami at Stanford on ESPN at 9 p.m. ET, with four additional Friday games in Week 2 on September 11. Notable matchups include Duke at Virginia on October 23, a rematch of last season’s ACC Championship game, and Clemson at Duke on November 20. The traditional Florida–Florida State rivalry game moves to a 3:30 p.m. ET Black Friday window on ABC. The conference also announced 25 non-conference games against Power Four programs and Notre Dame. The ACC Championship is set for December 5 in Charlotte.
Sources: The ACC
Ohio State Unveils New Turf and Two Alternate Uniform Combinations for 2026
Ohio State unveiled a new field surface and two alternate uniform combinations for the 2026 season. Shaw Sports Turf’s Forge Series will replace Ohio Stadium’s existing surface, the first turf replacement since 2022, meeting NFL installation standards according to the program. The two new alternates — named “Scarlet Rush” and “Sub Zero” — join the Buckeyes’ existing looks for a total of five uniform combinations this season. Both alternates feature the return of the “Buckeye Stripe,” a silver metallic sleeve detail that matches Ohio State’s signature silver helmets. Head coach Ryan Day confirmed the announcements as the program prepares for the 2026 campaign.
Sources: Pro Football Network
CBS Sports Ranks Colin Simmons No. 1 Among 26 Most-Feared Defenders for 2026
CBS Sports has ranked the 26 most-feared defensive players in college football ahead of the 2026 season, with Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons at No. 1. Simmons led the SEC in sacks as a sophomore, recording 12 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss in 2025. South Carolina edge rusher Dylan Stewart ranks No. 2, while Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore — last season’s All-American with five interceptions — comes in at No. 3. LSU’s Princewill Umanmielen (No. 4) and Oregon’s A’Mauri Washington (No. 5) complete the top five. Georgia, Oregon, and Notre Dame each place multiple players among the 26 most feared defenders.
Sources: CBS Sports
Off-Season Power Rankings
CBS Sports 138 (Post-Spring)
1. Ohio State
2. Texas
3. Georgia
4. Michigan
5. Indiana (defending national champions, 16–0)
Season Context
Off-Season
AP Top 25 not active — resumes August preseason
2027 recruiting class: national rankings actively updating
Transfer portal: winter window closed; summer activity begins
Season opens Week 0, Aug. 29 (Dublin, Ireland: UNC vs TCU)
Curated by JD · samwise.agency