Top Schools and Upcoming visits Covered with Illinois 4-Star 2027 QB Trae Taylor

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Watch a couple of snaps of Trae Taylor (6-3, 190) executing the offense for Carmel Catholic (Mundelein, IL) and instantly one knows he is a special talent. The Class of 2027 quarterback has all the tools, the productivity, and 37 offers to back up his four-star ranking.

When his team needed him, the 2024 campaign saw Taylor rise to the occasion throwing for 3,061 yards with 20 touchdowns while rushing for 342 yards with a team-high five rushing scores.

Helping his college-readiness, Taylor is running an NFL style offense.

“We were more of a (San Francisco) 49ers offense,” Taylor said. “We were Spread, but we also went under center. Not a lot of high schools do that in this day and age. My coaches played for the (Chicago) Bears, they are believers in being under center. That helps the run game and our play-action. Our offense was more like the 49ers.”

The challenging schedule helped Taylor grow by leaps and bounds during his sophomore season.

“This year I would say one of my bigger strengths was utilizing my legs more,” Taylor stated. “My coaches have restricted me from running; they were scared of me getting hurt. That is a big part of my game. I am good at it when I get the chance.

“Identifying defenses and getting the ball out fast on hitches and outs. Why try to sort everything out if you can take the easy seven yards. My pocket presence, seeing the field, moving in the pocket, and making something out of nothing or stepping up to make a big play.”

When downtime away from the Corsairs, Taylor is getting extra tutelage.

“I work with Donovan Dooley and Steve Wilson out of North Carolina,” Taylor stated. “Donovan Dooley coached Bryce Underwood. I grew up practicing with Bryce. He has helped me a lot with the basics, like footwork and starting to learn coverages. Coach Wilson has advanced me with college and NFL film and breaking down defenses.”

On the weekends, Taylor is competing in 7-on-7 tournaments with 24K out of Orlando (FL).

“Being honest, 7v7 is good for me,” Taylor shared. “It is good for me to adjust with different speeds. You don’t see all the speeds and different types of length in high school. Also, reaching out making different connections helps. Going against different speeds, seeing different defenses helps. Linebackers can just drop in 7-on-7 because they don’t have to defend the run, but a shell is still a shell. One high or two high, you still have to know where the holes are.”

A favorite in the ’27 class among collegiate offensive coordinators; more next level opportunities are coming.

“USC will offer late, they hand select,” Taylor said. “Notre Dame, they offer on St. Patricks’ Day; they are still interested. There are schools that are interested but their process is different.”

College coaches have made it a point to be on Carmel Catholic’s campus this offseason.

“They can see me throw, but they can’t talk to me,” Taylor stated. “Think of a school from the highs of the highs to the lower schools. NC State, Michigan, Illinois, Northwestern, LSU, Nebraska, Ohio State, Iowa, Purdue, Minnesota, (Texas) A&M, Notre Dame; it was crazy. There was a big range.”

The teams having consistent contact were covered.

“I’m in contact with Nebraska, LSU, Illinois, A&M, and Alabama is jumping in the mix more.” Taylor mentioned. “Those are the ones I am most constant with. LSU and Nebraska, those two schools I’m on the phone with the most.”

Trips this winter to Alabama and LSU were detailed.

LSU: “It went really well. I had a really good time. I spent two days there. I had good meetings with coach (Joe) Sloan (OC/QB) about football. I watched practice; I had a good time.”

Alabama: “I had a good meeting with coach (Nick) Sheridan (OC/QB). I watched practice; their first practice. Seeing how fast they move and their physicality, that was really cool.”

On Feb. 13, Taylor released his top five programs with a commitment planned in June. The five lucky programs were Illinois, LSU, Michigan, Nebraska, and Texas A&M.

Asked about creating his list, Taylor replied, “I am a huge relationships guy. Put it like this, they were early. Illinois, LSU, Michigan, they have always been there. Nebraska was there before my sophomore year even started. A&M was a little later, but once they hopped in, they were consistent. That was huge for me.

“Some may not think that is not a huge point, it really is. They are the people I will be around. That is a big factor in my decision. Another thing, their offenses, they fit me the best. Each offense is a little different, there will be some differences, but each comes close to the way I play. That is how I will make it to my goal, the NFL.

“The third reason, my parents are big on education. If I get a “C”, I am not eligible to play that week. There is life after football. I am looking at schools that have my major (sports broadcasting) and minor (sports management) so I can be successful after football is done.”

Focusing on five, there are a couple of teams that will get their chance to impress Taylor in the coming weeks.

“I am going to Nebraska, Illinois, A&M, Michigan, Georgia, and probably to Notre Dame,” Taylor stated. “I will go to Wisconsin.”

The upcoming time with the Bulldogs in Athens has Taylor pumped.

“I am very excited,” Taylor shared. “Georgia is one of the few schools I have not been to. They came to my school to offer me. I am excited; I have heard great things about it. Talyn Taylor (2025 WR) is there; I grew up with him. He is saying great things about it. I am very excited.”

This trip to South Bend could greatly impact Taylor’s recruiting process.

“I have visited the Irish many times,” Taylor said. “They have told me how they feel about me, and where I am at on their board. This visit, I am interested to see if they stand by their word or not, which is very important.”

Taylor visited LSU on March 7. The shared visits to Notre Dame (21st), Georgia (22nd), Illinois (24th), Michigan (25th), Nebraska (27th), and A&M (29th) are all in March.

*Click the link to view Trae Taylor’s QB Hit List profile.

Photo credit: Taylor family; Trae Taylor at LSU – featured with coach Brian Kelly.