Notre Dame football extends an offer to 2027 Penn State wide receiver commit Khalil Taylor, intensifying the recruiting battle.

In a move that could shake up early 2027 recruiting storylines, Notre Dame football has officially extended an offer to Khalil Taylor, a standout wide receiver from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who is currently committed to Penn State. The decision by the Fighting Irish is not only bold, but also strategic—it marks the beginning of what could become one of the fiercest recruiting battles of the 2027 class.

Despite his current verbal commitment to the Nittany Lions, Taylor remains a rising star and a sought-after talent. Notre Dame’s pursuit signals they are unwilling to concede any elite recruit, especially one who fits their offense so well and comes from a talent-rich region they’ve recruited successfully in the past.

Who Is Khalil Taylor?

Khalil Taylor is already making headlines despite being just a high school sophomore. At 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, he brings an elite blend of athleticism, explosiveness, and football IQ to the field. Playing at Seton LaSalle High School, Taylor posted impressive numbers in his 2023–24 season, including over 1,200 receiving yards and 20+ touchdowns. He’s known not only for his breakaway speed and smooth route-running, but also for his toughness across the middle of the field.

Scouts rank him as a consensus 4-star prospect in the 2027 class, with On3 and 247Sports placing him within the top 50 nationally. He’s also widely regarded as one of the best wide receivers in the Northeast, and the top WR in the state of Pennsylvania.

More than just a stats machine, Taylor has drawn praise for his off-field maturity. Coaches consistently describe him as “coachable,” “focused,” and “humble”—qualities that elite programs, like Notre Dame, seek out just as much as athletic ability.

The Verbal Commitment to Penn State

Taylor committed to Penn State earlier this year following multiple unofficial visits and strong bonds with the Nittany Lions’ coaching staff. He cited the welcoming culture, the opportunity to play early, and the faith the staff had in his abilities.

In an interview with a local Pittsburgh sports outlet shortly after committing, Taylor said:

“Penn State just felt like home. The coaches made it clear that I wasn’t just another recruit—I was someone they saw making an immediate impact. That kind of belief in me is hard to walk away from.”

It was a big win for head coach James Franklin and receivers coach Marques Hagans, who’ve made wide receiver development a recruiting priority in recent cycles. Keeping elite talent in-state has long been part of Penn State’s recruiting identity, and Taylor seemed like a lock.

Notre Dame’s Offer: Why Now?

Notre Dame has never been shy about recruiting committed prospects—especially those who fit their system and character mold. Offering Taylor now, while he’s still years from signing a letter of intent, is a calculated move. It signals a few things:

1. Taylor is too talented to ignore
2. Notre Dame believes it can flip him
3. They want to stay aggressive in national recruiting battles

Notre Dame’s coaching staff, particularly wide receivers coach Chansi Stuckey, has earned praise for revitalizing the Irish passing game and recruiting explosiveness at the WR position. In Taylor, they see a potential game-changer—someone who can stretch defenses vertically, contribute early, and possibly even play multiple roles in special teams.

Timing also plays a role. By offering now, Notre Dame is giving Taylor and his family months—if not years—to reconsider their options without applying overt pressure. This is standard practice in modern recruiting, especially for underclassmen.

The Recruiting Chess Match: ND vs. PSU

This move places Notre Dame and Penn State in a classic recruiting showdown—something fans on both sides are familiar with. Both schools recruit the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast heavily, and they frequently compete for the same talent.

Taylor is precisely the kind of player who can shift narratives. For Penn State, losing him would be a tough blow—especially after securing his early verbal pledge. For Notre Dame, flipping him would be a statement of intent: that Marcus Freeman and his staff can pull elite, committed players away from a major rival.

Adding further intrigue, Notre Dame has had success in Pennsylvania recently, and continues to prioritize top prospects in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. The Irish also benefit from strong academic and cultural appeal, which often resonates with families looking at long-term development.

Why Taylor Fits at Notre Dame

Notre Dame’s offense under Marcus Freeman and new offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock is evolving. After focusing heavily on tight ends and the run game in previous years, the Irish are moving toward a more balanced attack. The program is actively seeking dynamic playmakers who can open up the field—and Khalil Taylor checks all the boxes.

His ability to operate in the slot or out wide makes him a scheme-versatile receiver. He’s dangerous after the catch, which would fit perfectly with Notre Dame’s RPO packages and quick-hit designs. With Taylor’s combination of speed and polish, he could earn playing time as early as his freshman year, regardless of the depth chart.

Also worth noting: Notre Dame has built a strong track record of developing receivers for the NFL, including recent examples like Chase Claypool, Miles Boykin, and Equanimeous St. Brown.

Will Taylor Flip? Too Early to Say

As of now, there’s no public indication that Taylor is wavering from his commitment. But the offer from Notre Dame does introduce a new layer of complexity—and pressure—for both Taylor and Penn State.

Verbal commitments, especially for underclassmen, are non-binding. The process is fluid, and many recruits take visits and reconsider schools up until signing day. Taylor has not ruled out taking more visits, and with two full seasons of high school football remaining, there’s a long road ahead.

Notre Dame will likely push to get him on campus for a visit in the next year. If that happens, it could be a turning point in the recruitment.

What Taylor’s Decision Could Mean for Both Programs

• For Notre Dame: Landing Taylor would solidify their commitment to national recruiting. It would also give them a potential cornerstone in the 2027 class—an early-impact player who could help recruit others.
• For Penn State: Keeping Taylor means maintaining control of one of the top skill players in the state. It would also be a sign of recruiting stability and an endorsement of their offensive direction.

Both schools are looking to compete in the expanded College Football Playoff era. Players like Taylor aren’t just roster fillers—they’re difference-makers.

Notre Dame’s offer to Khalil Taylor may not flip him overnight, but it sets the stage for a long, strategic battle between two powerhouse programs. Taylor’s talent makes him a national priority. His decision, whenever it comes, will say a lot about where both Notre Dame and Penn State stand in the new recruiting landscape.

As the 2027 cycle develops, this recruitment will be one to watch—and could offer an early look at which program is better positioned for success in the next era of college football.