Isaiah Taylor is only entering his sophomore year of high school, but the 2028 athlete is already gaining serious attention on the national recruiting radar. The two-way standout recently added an offer from Texas Tech, a development that marks another significant milestone in what’s shaping up to be a dynamic and highly anticipated recruitment process. Taylor, a versatile talent with elite athleticism, sat down to reflect on what the Red Raiders’ offer means to him and where his recruitment stands moving forward.
Despite still being early in his high school career, Taylor already boasts physical tools and football instincts that turn heads. At 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, the Houston native has shown flashes of brilliance on both sides of the ball, excelling as a wide receiver and defensive back. Coaches have taken note of his fluid movement, high football IQ, and the kind of burst and explosiveness that separates great athletes from merely good ones. It’s no surprise that major college football programs are beginning to line up for his services.
Texas Tech, known for making aggressive recruiting moves under head coach Joey McGuire, has made Taylor a priority early. Their offer came during a recent evaluation period when staff members were making the rounds at camps and 7-on-7 events. For Taylor, hearing from the Red Raiders was more than just a routine recruiting call—it was validation that his hard work is paying off and a signal that Lubbock is paying close attention.
“Man, when I found out I got the offer from Texas Tech, I was just super excited,” Taylor said. “It’s a big-time program with a lot of tradition, and they’re doing great things right now. Getting that call was just a blessing. I’ve been grinding, so to see schools like Tech notice me, it motivates me even more.”
The offer from Texas Tech joins a growing list of programs that have begun evaluating Taylor for future potential. While NCAA rules prevent direct contact with underclassmen before a certain age, schools are permitted to communicate their interest through coaches or during unofficial visits and camps. Taylor has already attended several camps this offseason, showcasing his athleticism and earning high praise from analysts and onlookers alike.
Recruiting insiders say Texas Tech’s offer is part of a broader push to build relationships early with the state’s next wave of elite prospects. The Red Raiders are trying to establish a reputation as a school that invests early in Texas high school talent. That strategy has paid dividends in recent years with several top-tier commitments. Adding a dynamic player like Taylor to a future class would align perfectly with McGuire’s vision for building a fast, physical, and aggressive team on both sides of the ball.
Taylor is well aware of what Texas Tech is building and says the school’s commitment to player development stood out to him.
“I’ve been watching what they’re doing over there,” Taylor noted. “They play fast, they let their guys make plays, and I really like how the coaching staff connects with the players. You can tell they care about you as a person, not just as a player. That means a lot.”
For now, Taylor is focused on continuing to develop his game. He’s dedicated to getting stronger, faster, and more technically refined. He’s also learning to balance the pressure of being a highly recruited athlete with the responsibilities of being a team leader and student. The spotlight is bright, but Taylor approaches it all with calm maturity.
“My coaches always remind me to stay humble and keep working,” he said. “It’s great to get offers, but at the end of the day, I haven’t done anything yet. I still have to prove myself every day. I want to be great, and that means not getting comfortable.”
His performance at various offseason events certainly backs that up. Whether it’s hauling in acrobatic catches, locking down top receivers in one-on-ones, or showcasing his speed and agility in drills, Taylor has consistently impressed. Recruiting analysts have praised his versatility, noting that he projects as a potential Power Five contributor on either side of the ball.
While Taylor is keeping his recruitment open, he plans to learn more about Texas Tech and other interested programs over the next year. He says unofficial visits and continued conversations with coaches will play a big role in shaping his decision.
“I want to see the culture,” he explained. “How do the players treat each other? How do the coaches treat the players? Is it a place where I can grow—not just in football, but as a person too? That’s what I’m going to be looking at when I visit schools.”
Texas Tech fans hoping to see Taylor in scarlet and black have plenty of reason to be optimistic. The Red Raiders have made a strong first impression, and if they continue to invest in the relationship, they’ll be in the mix for the long haul. Taylor’s recruitment is expected to explode over the next 12-18 months, especially as more programs get a closer look at his development during his sophomore campaign.
One area where Taylor feels particularly aligned with Texas Tech is their use of athletic, position-flexible players. The Red Raiders’ current defensive scheme prioritizes speed and coverage ability, and on offense, their willingness to get the ball in the hands of playmakers mirrors Taylor’s own skill set.
“They use their athletes in creative ways,” Taylor said. “Whether it’s on defense or offense, they let their guys do what they do best. That’s something I really like, because I’m a guy who can do a little bit of everything.”
Taylor’s high school coaches describe him as a relentless worker and a humble leader. He’s often the first to arrive at practice and the last to leave, always looking for ways to get better. That mindset, combined with his natural athletic gifts, has made him one of the most intriguing prospects in Texas for the class of 2028.
As for what’s next, Taylor says he’ll continue taking things day by day. There’s no rush to make a commitment, and for now, he’s focused on his upcoming season and helping his team win.
“I just want to get better and help my team however I can,” he said. “The recruiting stuff is cool, but I love football. That’s what it’s all about for me—being on the field with my teammates and doing what I love.”
Still, the buzz around Isaiah Taylor is very real. With each camp and game, his star continues to rise. If Texas Tech can maintain and grow their connection with the talented 2028 athlete, they could find themselves in prime position to land one of the state’s most exciting young prospects.
As Taylor’s journey continues to unfold, fans across the country—and especially in Lubbock—will be watching closely. The Red Raiders made the first move, and now it’s up to Taylor to decide where his future will lead. One thing is certain: his name is one to remember as the next generation of Texas high school football talent begins to take shape.
