Kirby Smart's Georgia lands its fourth commitment in WR Talyn Taylor as Bulldogs load up their roster this week

Georgia's recruiting momentum continues to surge as the Bulldogs secure another commitment this week, adding four-star wide receiver Talyn Taylor to their 2025 class. He chose the Bulldogs over an array of high-profile contenders, including Ohio State, USC, Notre Dame, UCLA and Michigan.

Taylor visited Notre Dame and Ohio State, but his affinity for Georgia grew after an official visit earlier this month, following multiple spring visits to the Athens campus. His pledge came after an impactful weekend visit, aligning him with two other recent commits who were swayed by their experiences last weekend.

Taylor becomes the fourth Georgia commitment this week, following tight end Elyiss Williams and linebackers Jadon Perlotte and Zayden Walker.

Taylor was plagued by injuries this past season but made a strong comeback in the Illinois 6A playoffs, making 32 catches for 512 yards and six touchdowns. He also threw for 150 yards and four touchdowns while adding another score on the ground. He registered 801 yards and eight touchdowns for Geneva Community High School in 2022.

Taylor's commitment bolsters a rich 2025 recruiting class for Georgia, which now includes 11 players. Alongside Taylor, the Bulldogs have secured commitments from Williams, Perlotte, Darren Ikinnagbon, Ethan Barbour, Ryan Montgomery, Mason Short, Stephon Shivers, Bo Walker, Thomas Blackshear and Walker.

Why was Georgia the perfect fit for Talyn Taylor?

Talyn Taylor is rated as the No. 50 overall player, the No. 9 wide receiver and the No. 3 player in Illinois, according to On3 Industry Rankings. 247 Sports lists him as the No. 97 overall player, the No. 13 wide receiver and the No. 3 player in Illinois.

Taylor’s commitment proves Georgia’s ability to attract blue-chip talent, and he was impressed with the program's personalized approach and clear vision for his role.

“Georgia is a great place and it is a great program,” Taylor said (via On3). “Georgia’s message to me has been that they want me and they think I have a special skill set. They have always made me feel great, and I like how they want to use me on the outside and inside.”

Taylor's decision was heavily influenced by his relationship with head coach Kirby Smart. Despite some criticism that Georgia under Smart hasn't consistently attracted elite wide receiver recruits, Taylor sees great potential in the coach.

“Coach Smart, in my eyes, is the next Nick Saban," Taylor told UGA wire. "He’s a great coach. He has a great future at the University of Georgia.”

Equally important in Taylor’s decision was his bond with wide receivers coach James Coley. He first connected with Coley during an unofficial visit in the spring.

"He’s a great coach," Taylor said (via UGA Rivals). "He’s definitely there to develop the receivers, definitely there to get them better, definitely there to make the program better. Just overall, a great coach."

Taylor was initially targeted by former wide receivers coach Bryan McClendon, who offered him a spot a few years ago. The continued interest from Georgia's coaching staff, despite changes in personnel, proved the program’s commitment to him.