Ivan Taylor, a four-star cornerback, committed to Notre Dame on Friday, marking a major win for the Fighting Irish and coach Marcus Freeman in the 2025 recruiting cycle. Son of former NFL cornerback Ike Taylor, Taylor was ranked 30th overall in the 2025 ESPN 300 and declared himself the top prospect in Notre Dame’s incoming class and the fifth-best cornerback in the 2025 class right away.
In an interview with ESPN, Ivan Taylor praised Coach Freeman and his coaching team, highlighting their unique character and method of approaching football conversations. Taylor emphasized the coaching staff’s sincere interest in the players’ lives off the field and how they personally provided a sense of authenticity to their interactions.
He visited Notre Dame four times, including during the team’s game versus Wake Forest on November 18, praising the sincerity and dedication of the coaching staff. He emphasized the significance of their strategy, pointing out that Notre Dame’s coaches were exceptional regardless of the stadium, budgetary constraints, or non-existent opportunities.
Since ESPN started rating players in 2006, Ivan Taylor would be the school’s highest-ranked prospect at cornerback if he joins with Notre Dame. Once Taylor joins defensive end C.J., the class of 2025 will have five ESPN 300 commits, including two in the top 100. Defensively, May (No. 261 overall).
Devoted to the Catholic faith and a man of prayer, Taylor looked at Florida State, Tennessee, Louisville, and Wisconsin, giving Wisconsin substantial consideration. With 45 tackles, 22 solo stops, 6 tackles for loss, and 1 interception in nine games, the 6-foot-175-pound cornerback had an outstanding junior season at Florida’s West Orange High School.
Scheduled to enroll early in January 2025, Taylor offers defensive coordinator Al Golden flexibility, as he is adept at playing both cornerback and safety. He attributes his strength to “reading the play before it happens,” emphasizing his commitment to film study and understanding the game.
My father, Ike Taylor, was a 12-year NFL cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, helping two of their teams win Super Bowls (XL and XLIII). Ivan Taylor has a football heritage.
Notre Dame is presently ranked 13th in ESPN’s most recent 2024 team rankings, which were revealed on Thursday. The Irish won a top-10 class in 2023 (No. 7 overall). With a focus on recruiting, Taylor emphasized his desire to do everything it takes to help the Fighting Irish and stated that he is ready to contribute in any manner that the team needs him.
