​It’s time to begin gearing up for the 2026 Syracuse Orange football season. As we prepare, we’re sorting through the roster and getting to know each Syracuse player, welcoming a wave of new faces as Year 3 under the Fran Brown Era unfolds. Up next in our roster spotlight is David Omopariola.
Name: David Omopariola
Position: Linebacker
Year: Redshirt Junior
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 260 lbs
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
High School: Woodlawn
2025 stats: Omopariola appeared in all twelve games for the Orange, recording 32 tackles and leading the team with 8.5 tackles for loss. He also contributed a pivotal safety against SMU, showcasing his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
2026 projections: The 2026 season is poised to feature Omopariola prominently, though where he lines up could depend on how Syracuse’s new defensive scheme takes shape. Will he spend more time at traditional linebacker, or will he continue to rush the passer from the edge? With Omopariola and Jamie Tremble providing versatile outside rush options, the Orange have a dynamic pair that could complicate opposing offenses. His role may evolve as the defense adjusts to the new scheme, but expect Omopariola to be on the field frequently.
How he got here: Omopariola chose Syracuse over an offer from Temple, signaling his interest in contributing to the Orange’s young and evolving defense.
What the recruiting services say: He arrived as a consensus three-star recruit and was regarded as a top-50 player in Maryland in his class. His Maryland roots and athletic upside stood out to recruiters, reinforcing Syracuse’s confidence in his potential at the next level.
Social spotlight: On Instagram, you can find him at @slimey_david, a handle that fans have come to recognize as part of his online presence as he builds his personal brand alongside his on-field performance.
Notable nugget: David’s given name, Oluwademilade, translates to “God has crowned me,” a meaningful and unique name that reflects a strong cultural heritage and personal narrative he carries into his college career.
Let’s get a better sense of him: Here’s David meeting the media during spring ball, offering insight into his mindset, preparation, and the role he envisions for himself in this new defensive era at Syracuse. As we follow his journey through spring practice, summer workouts, and beyond, Omopariola’s development will be a key storyline for fans and analysts alike. With a combination of size, reach, and pass-rush ability, he’s a player Syracuse supporters will want to watch as the Orange navigate a pivotal season in 2026.