Ivan Taylor, Son of Former NFL CB Ike, Flips Commitment to Notre Dame Over Michigan and Alabama
South Bend, IN — In a stunning turn of events, Ivan Taylor, a highly coveted high school cornerback and son of former NFL standout Ike Taylor, has flipped his commitment to Notre Dame after initially pledging to Michigan. The 5-star recruit, who was heavily pursued by top programs like Alabama and Michigan, officially announced his decision to join the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Friday, sending shockwaves through the college football recruiting world.
A Huge Win for Notre Dame Football
Taylor’s decision is seen as a major victory for Notre Dame, who have now secured a top-tier recruit in a critical position for their defense. The Fighting Irish had been competing with the likes of Michigan and Alabama, but ultimately, Taylor’s decision came down to the opportunity to develop under the guidance of head coach Marcus Freeman and the Notre Dame coaching staff.
“We’re beyond excited to have Ivan join the Fighting Irish family,” Freeman said in a statement. “Ivan is an elite talent who brings a tremendous work ethic, skill set, and football IQ. We believe he can make an immediate impact on our defense and help us continue to build toward competing for national championships. He embodies everything we look for in a player—he’s driven, humble, and has a fierce competitive spirit.”
Why Notre Dame?
For Ivan Taylor, the decision to flip his commitment to Notre Dame was deeply personal and strategic. Growing up with his father, Ike Taylor, a former standout cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Ivan has been immersed in football from an early age. His decision to play for the Fighting Irish, rather than Michigan or Alabama, was largely driven by the chance to develop not only as a football player but as a person, all while playing for a program with a rich tradition and a strong sense of community.
“I’ve always had a deep respect for Notre Dame,” Ivan Taylor said in his announcement. “The tradition, the coaching staff, and the opportunity to grow both as a player and a person drew me to the Fighting Irish. Coach Freeman has done an incredible job of building a winning culture here, and I’m excited to be part of that. It’s not just about football; it’s about preparing for life, and I feel like Notre Dame will help me do that.”
The Legacy of Ike Taylor
Having a father like Ike Taylor—a former NFL cornerback who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers for 12 seasons and won two Super Bowls—comes with immense pressure, but also an opportunity to learn from one of the best. Ivan’s relationship with his father has played a key role in his football journey, with Ike serving as a mentor both on and off the field.
“I’ve been blessed to have my dad, Ike, as a coach and mentor throughout my life,” Ivan said. “He’s taught me the importance of hard work, discipline, and the mental aspects of the game. I know he’s proud of my decision, and I’m excited to continue my journey at Notre Dame.”
The influence of his father will undoubtedly shape Ivan’s development in college football. Ike Taylor’s understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest level of football will provide Ivan with a unique advantage as he enters the college ranks.
The Recruiting Battle: Michigan and Alabama
While Notre Dame emerged as the eventual victor, the battle for Ivan Taylor’s commitment was intense. Michigan and Alabama, two of the premier programs in college football, were heavy contenders throughout the recruiting process.
Michigan, with its strong defensive pedigree, had been considered a top choice for Taylor for some time. The Wolverines have consistently fielded one of the top defenses in the country, and their pitch to Taylor centered around helping him develop into an elite cornerback at a program with national championship aspirations.
On the other hand, Alabama, under the leadership of Nick Saban, has long been regarded as the gold standard in college football, particularly in developing defensive backs. The Crimson Tide, with their track record of success and NFL-caliber coaching, presented a compelling case for Taylor’s future.
However, despite the allure of these powerhouse programs, Taylor’s decision to commit to Notre Dame ultimately came down to his relationship with the coaching staff and the values instilled by the program. Notre Dame’s emphasis on academic excellence, player development, and family atmosphere ultimately tipped the scales in their favor.
What Ivan Taylor Brings to Notre Dame
Ivan Taylor is widely regarded as one of the top cornerback prospects in the nation. His combination of speed, agility, football IQ, and physicality make him a perfect fit for the Notre Dame defense. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 190 pounds, Taylor has the size and athleticism to match up against some of the best wide receivers in college football.
As a high school standout, Taylor was known for his ability to lock down opposing wide receivers, making him a versatile defensive back. He has a natural instinct for reading plays and has consistently demonstrated the ability to create turnovers, whether through interceptions or pass breakups. With his physical style of play and elite coverage skills, Taylor is poised to be an impact player for Notre Dame in the coming years.
In addition to his on-field talents, Taylor’s leadership qualities and work ethic make him an ideal fit for a program like Notre Dame. He has the mentality and maturity to succeed at the next level, both academically and athletically, and will be a crucial part of the Fighting Irish defense for years to come.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Ivan Taylor and Notre Dame
With Ivan Taylor now in the fold, Notre Dame has solidified one of the top cornerback recruits in the country. As part of the 2025 recruiting class, Taylor will have the opportunity to learn from some of the best defensive minds in college football, including the likes of defensive coordinator Al Golden and defensive backs coach Mike Mickens.
The addition of Taylor also strengthens Notre Dame’s recruiting efforts, as the Fighting Irish continue to attract elite talent from across the country. With a commitment to excellence on and off the field, Taylor will be a key piece in Notre Dame’s continued rise as a contender for the College Football Playoff and national championships.
For Ivan Taylor, the journey is just beginning. His commitment to Notre Dame marks the start of an exciting new chapter in his football career, and with his talent and drive, he has the potential to leave a lasting legacy in South Bend. With the support of his family and the guidance of the Notre Dame coaching staff, Taylor is poised to become one of the top cornerbacks in college football and, eventually, the NFL.
Congratulations to Ivan Taylor for making this bold decision, and welcome to the Fighting Irish family!