Jan 9, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback Elliot Washington II (9) tackles Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Jaden Greathouse (1) in the second half in the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Notre Dame's Recruiting Momentum Hits Slight Speed Bump vs. Penn State

Originally posted on Notre Dame Fighting Irish on SI
By Nick Shepkowski | Last updated Jun 29, 2025 1:37 PM ET

Notre Dame has been on a recruiting hot streak that hasn't been seen in decades in South Bend, landing several big-time prospects in recent weeks. To boot, Notre Dame appears set to add at least a couple of playmaking wide receivers to the 2026 recruiting class this week, too.

A few of Notre Dame's recent commitments have also come at the expense of Penn State, as James Franklin's Nittany Lions were among the finalists for multiple Fighting Irish commitments, including five-star safety Joey O'Brien.

But as the old saying goes, "you can't win 'em all".

1000% committed ⚪️! #WEARE @PennStateFball @coachjfranklin @CoachTerryPSU @SLS_Football @CoachStorino @Coachstorinod @SLS_Athletics @coachwil_412 @PSU_Dylan pic.twitter.com/9HsWj8d5jE
— Khalil Taylor (@KhalilTaylor08) March 29, 2025

Four-star wide receiver Khalil Taylor, a 2027 recruit, is a current Penn State commitment, hailing from Pittsburgh (Seton LaSalle), Pennsylvania. A recent Notre Dame offer had some thinking Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish were about to do it to Franklin and Penn State again, but it would appear this will end in favor of the Nittany Lions.

Taylor doubled down on his commitment to Penn State while participating in the Under Armour Future 50 over the weekend at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

Robbed! WR ⁦@KhalilTaylor08⁩ had a foot down & his shoulder touched! #UANext pic.twitter.com/qgAsxUiKGR
— Brian Smith (@fbscout_florida) June 29, 2025