Syracuse football is making it clear: they want Khalil Taylor in Orange.
The 2027 four-star wide receiver and electric return specialist out of Pine-Richland High School in Gibsonia, Pa., is one of the most dynamic playmakers in his class-and the Orange coaching staff is going all-in to land him. Defensive assistant coach Dre Kates made the trip to Western Pennsylvania this week to check in with Taylor, a clear sign that Syracuse is prioritizing the explosive athlete as a cornerstone of its future.
And it’s not hard to see why. Taylor’s junior season was nothing short of spectacular.
At 6 feet tall and 180 pounds, he racked up 24 total touchdowns in 2025, showing off his versatility across offense, defense, and special teams. As a receiver, he hauled in 33 catches for 571 yards and 16 touchdowns.
On the ground, he added 70 rushing yards on just seven carries. But his impact didn’t stop there.
Taylor was a menace in all three phases. On defense, he logged 22 tackles, including 14 solo, with three tackles for loss, a sack, and three interceptions-two of which he returned for touchdowns.
And on special teams, he was simply electric: three punt-return touchdowns, three kickoff-return scores, and a total of over 900 return yards. That kind of production is rare, even at the high school level, and it’s why he’s earned All-American honors from Rivals as a return specialist.
He was also named Class 5A All-State and the Class 5A Player of the Year in Pennsylvania.
Taylor helped lead Pine-Richland to an 11-2 record and a trip to the WPIAL Class 5A championship game, cementing his status as one of the most impactful players in the state-and one of the most coveted in the country.
Recruiting-wise, Taylor’s journey has been eventful. He originally committed to Penn State but reopened his recruitment last fall after the program made a coaching change.
James Franklin was let go and resurfaced at Virginia Tech, while former Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell took the reins in Happy Valley. Penn State re-offered Taylor in December, and he’s expected to take an official visit there in early June.
But Penn State isn’t the only program making a push. Oregon, Georgia, and Nebraska have all stayed in close contact, and Miami-fresh off a run to the College Football Playoff national championship game-recently extended an offer.
Syracuse, however, has been in the mix for a while, having offered Taylor back in May 2024. With the new coaching staff putting boots on the ground and showing up in person, the Orange are making it known they’re not just in the race-they’re sprinting.
Taylor is currently ranked No. 65 nationally, No. 14 among wide receivers, and No. 4 in Pennsylvania according to the 247Sports Composite. Rivals has him at No. 75 overall and No. 13 at the position. In a loaded 2027 class, he stands out as one of the most complete athletes available.
He’s expected to be on campus this weekend for Syracuse’s junior day, a key opportunity for the staff to make their case in person. With his recruitment heating up and a long list of suitors, this visit could be a pivotal moment in Taylor’s decision-making process.
For now, what’s clear is this: Khalil Taylor is a game-changer. And Syracuse is doing everything it can to bring that kind of talent to the Dome.