Four-star safety Ivan Taylor announced early this week that he has decommitted from Notre Dame. A member of the 2025 recruiting class, Taylor has flipped his commitment to Michigan. Taylor joins Kainoa Washington (safety) and Nathaniel Marshall (defensive tackle) as top defensive prospects in the Wolverines’ 2025 class.
The son of former Pittsburgh Steelers veteran cornerback and two-time Super Bowl champion Ike Taylor, Ivan first pledged his commitment to Notre Dame in December of 2023. His announcement last year kicked off what has turned into an excellent secondary class for the Irish. The class includes Ethan Long and JaDon Blair. The latter shared his Notre Dame commitment just last week.
Ivan Taylor’s Departure Not Unexpected
Hailing from Winter Garden, Fla., Taylor had expressed second thoughts about Notre Dame after safeties coach Chris O’Leary left the program for the NFL. In June, Taylor took an official visit to Alabama. He visited Notre Dame the following weekend, and that sojourn was followed by a visit to Michigan. In addition to Notre Dame and Michigan, other suitors included Alabama, Florida State, USC, Tennessee, Florida, and Penn State, among a host of others.
Taylor is the nation’s No. 41 overall player, according to ESPN. He is ranked No. 102 overall by Rivals and No. 120 by On3. Taylor recorded 45 tackles a season ago, six for loss for West Orange. He had one interception, one pass breakup, and four forced fumbles.
Still Strong Despite Recruiting Setback
Despite Taylor’s exit, Notre Dame figures to field a strong secondary for years to come. Benjamin Morrison and Xavier Watts will hold down the secondary again this year. In addition to Long and Blair, the Irish boast three talented cornerbacks in the 2025 class. They include Dallas Golden, Mark Zackery IV, and Cree Thomas. These prospects bring a wealth of skill and potential to Notre Dame.
Losing Taylor will sting, of course. But there is plenty of reason for optimism with the strong recruits Marcus Freeman and his staff have secured this offseason. While the loss of Taylor is notable, the depth and quality of the 2025 incoming class continue to highlight Freeman’s ability to attract elite talent on both sides of the ball.
