Four-star safety Ivan Taylor has announced his decision to decommit from Notre Dame and commit to Michigan for the 2025 recruiting class. Taylor’s move to Michigan adds him to a defensive lineup that already includes top recruits Kainoa Washington (safety) and Nathaniel Marshall (defensive tackle).
The son of former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback and two-time Super Bowl champion Ike Taylor, Ivan first committed to Notre Dame in December 2023. This commitment was part of what was shaping up to be a strong secondary class for the Fighting Irish, which also includes prospects like Ethan Long and JaDon Blair.
Taylor’s decision to leave Notre Dame was not entirely surprising. Hailing from Winter Garden, Florida, Taylor had been reconsidering his commitment after the departure of safeties coach Chris O’Leary, who left for an NFL position. Taylor took official visits to Alabama, Notre Dame, and Michigan over the summer, and his final choice was Michigan. He also had offers from other major programs including Florida State, USC, Tennessee, Florida, and Penn State.
Ranked as the nation’s No. 41 overall player by ESPN, and No. 102 by Rivals and No. 120 by On3, Taylor had a standout high school career. Last season, he recorded 45 tackles, six for loss, one interception, one pass breakup, and four forced fumbles for West Orange.
Despite this setback in recruiting, Notre Dame remains poised to have a strong secondary in the coming years. The Fighting Irish will rely on key players like Benjamin Morrison and Xavier Watts this season. Additionally, they have secured other talented cornerbacks for the 2025 class, including Dallas Golden, Mark Zackery IV, and Cree Thomas. These recruits bring substantial skill and promise to the team.
Although losing Taylor is a notable setback, Notre Dame’s strong recruiting efforts under Marcus Freeman offer plenty of optimism. The depth and talent of the 2025 class reflect Freeman’s ongoing ability to attract top talent, ensuring the team remains competitive on both sides of the ball.
