Iowa Loses 4-Star QB Tagliaferri to Notre Dame
Notre Dame has landed one of the top quarterbacks in the 2028 class, and the Iowa Hawkeyes are left looking elsewhere. Four-star signal caller Trey Tagliaferri announced his commitment to the Fighting Irish on Wednesday, choosing South Bend over a massive list of suitors that included Iowa, Ohio State, Alabama, and Penn State.
Why Does This Matter for Iowa?
The Hawkeyes were among the two dozen programs to extend an offer to the Bergen Catholic standout, but they could not close the deal. Tagliaferri is ranked as the No. 11 quarterback in the nation by both Rivals/On3 and ESPN, making him one of the most sought-after prospects in the cycle. Missing on a top-tier quarterback is a familiar frustration for Iowa fans, and this recruitment highlights the steep competition the program faces when trying to pull elite talent out of the Northeast.
What Kind of Player Did Iowa Miss Out On?
Tagliaferri is a pure dropback passer with impressive credentials for a young player. As a first-time starter and sophomore at Bergen Catholic in Oradell, New Jersey, he led the Crusaders to an 8-3 record. He passed for 2,238 yards and 30 touchdowns while completing 62.3 percent of his passes. Most impressively, he threw just three interceptions on 212 attempts, showing the kind of smart decision making that translates well to the next level.
He saved his best football for the stretch run. Tagliaferri threw 16 touchdowns in the last five games of the season, proving he can elevate his play when the pressure mounts. For context, he plays at the same high school as former Notre Dame quarterback Steve Angeli. As a senior, Angeli passed for 1,709 yards and 15 touchdowns. Tagliaferri was significantly more productive, and he did it as a sophomore.
Scouting Report on Tagliaferri
The 6-foot-2, 190-pound quarterback brings a strong foundation to the Irish. He features a very quick release and already throws an impressive deep ball. He shows real aggressiveness getting the ball over the top of defenses and is highly accurate on corner routes. At 6-2, he has solid height for the position and is likely still growing. He is a bit thin right now, but his frame should allow him to fill out nicely as he matures. Rivals and On3 grade him as a four-star recruit and the No. 110 player in the country.
Who Else Was in the Running?
Notre Dame beat out a who's who of college football powerhouses for Tagliaferri's commitment. His offer list included Ohio State, Georgia, Texas A&M, Florida, Penn State, Alabama, Oklahoma, Auburn, Ole Miss, Illinois, Stanford, Iowa, Missouri, North Carolina, Arkansas, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Maryland, Syracuse, Mississippi State, Boston College, Wake Forest, and Rutgers. The Irish staff made it clear they wanted him in the class after multiple visits to South Bend, and that persistence paid off.
What Comes Next for the 2028 Class?
Tagliaferri becomes the third player to commit to Notre Dame in the 2028 class. He joins Florida safety Andre Jones and Tennessee kicker Owen Davies. Tagliaferri is also a high school teammate of 2027 Notre Dame commit Jackson Vaughn, a defensive end who was originally a member of the 2028 class before reclassifying. For Iowa, the search for a 2028 quarterback continues as the coaching staff works to keep pace in an increasingly competitive Big Ten landscape.
How Good Is Trey Tagliaferri?
Tagliaferri is a four-star recruit ranked as the No. 11 quarterback in the nation by Rivals/On3 and ESPN. He threw for 30 touchdowns and just three interceptions as a sophomore at Bergen Catholic High School in New Jersey.
Did Iowa Offer Trey Tagliaferri?
Yes, the Iowa Hawkeyes were among the programs to extend a scholarship offer to Tagliaferri, but he ultimately chose to commit to Notre Dame over Iowa and roughly two dozen other schools.
What Position Does Tagliaferri Play?
Tagliaferri is a pure dropback quarterback. He is known for his quick release, accurate deep ball, and strong decision making, throwing only three interceptions on 212 attempts during his sophomore season.