...but unless he is graduating in Spring 2018, this doesn't seem like a very good move on his part.

Taylor would have been a "red shirt sophomore" in 2017. So academically, he is currently a Junior. Unless he didn't enroll at ND for the Spring semester, it doesn't seem wise to leave ND for another school after finishing six semesters.

He only has two years of eligibility left. If he transfers to a Div. I-A school, he would have to sit out the 2018 season, and would only get to play in 2019. The only way he could play in 2018 is if he transfers to a Div. I-AA school (or lower).

If by chance he is graduating in Spring 2018, and can do a "graduate transfer" like CJ Sanders, then he can play anywhere in 2018. In that situation, transferring from ND makes much more sense.