Louisville football just scored a major offseason win - and it didn’t come from the Transfer Portal. Instead, it came from keeping one of their own.
Star edge rusher AJ Green, who initially announced he’d be entering the portal on December 24, reversed course just two weeks later, withdrawing his name on January 6. That’s not just good news - it’s season-shaping. Green’s return brings back one of the ACC’s most disruptive defenders and gives the Cardinals a massive lift heading into 2026.
Green is coming off his best season yet, racking up 31 total tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, and a forced fumble. Over his three-year career, he’s totaled 46 tackles, 9.0 for loss, 5.0 sacks, and that one forced fumble - and he’s just getting started. For a Louisville defense that’s already retooling in key areas, getting Green back is like finding a lost piece of the puzzle.
But Green’s return doesn’t just impact the stat sheet - it changes the entire dynamic of the defense. Let’s break down three players who stand to benefit the most from his decision to stay in Louisville.
3. Tayon Holloway: The Secondary’s New Anchor
When a defensive line can generate pressure, the secondary breathes easier - and that’s exactly what Tayon Holloway and the rest of the back end are counting on.
Louisville’s secondary is undergoing a major overhaul. With two starting safeties and a starting cornerback departing, Holloway steps into a leadership role in what will be a much younger, less experienced unit.
But with Green back in the fold, quarterbacks won’t have time to sit back and pick apart the coverage. That’s a game-changer.
Green’s ability to collapse the pocket forces hurried throws, which often turn into turnover opportunities. That’s where a player like Holloway thrives. He led the team last season with five pass breakups and added two interceptions - and with Green turning up the heat off the edge, Holloway could find himself in position to make even more impact plays.
In short, Green’s return gives Holloway and the new-look secondary a better shot at success. Pressure up front equals opportunity in the back.
2. Joshua Donald: The New Man in the Middle
Replacing interior stalwarts like Jordan Guerad and Rene Konga isn’t easy, but Louisville has high hopes for Houston transfer Joshua Donald - and Green’s return just made his job a whole lot easier.
Donald didn’t see the field last season at Houston, but he showed real promise back in 2024 at Appalachian State, where he tallied 32 tackles, 3.0 sacks, and a forced fumble. Now, he’s expected to step into a starting role at nose tackle for the Cardinals.
Here’s where Green comes in: with a proven edge rusher drawing attention on the outside, Donald won’t face as many double teams or protection shifts. That gives him cleaner looks and more chances to make plays in the trenches. If Donald can capitalize, Louisville’s defensive line could be one of the most balanced in the ACC - with threats coming from all angles.
Depth is the name of the game, and with Green anchoring the outside, Donald has a clear path to becoming a disruptive force in the middle.
1. Clev Lubin: The Other Half of Louisville’s Edge Duo
Let’s not overthink this - no one benefits more from Green’s return than Clev Lubin.
Lubin and Green were a nightmare for opposing offenses last season, forming one of the most productive edge duos in the conference. Lubin earned a spot in PFF’s top 100, ranking No. 40 overall with a 92.5 grade. He racked up 64 pressures - fourth-most in the Power Four - along with 35 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and three pass breakups.
That kind of production doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Having Green on the opposite side meant offenses couldn’t key in on just one threat. They had to pick their poison - and more often than not, both guys made them pay.
Now, with Green back in the mix and Tyler Thompson joining the party, Louisville’s pass rush looks downright scary. Lubin will continue to get favorable matchups, and with another year of experience under their belts, this duo could be even more dominant in 2026.
Bottom Line: AJ Green’s decision to stay in Louisville is more than just a roster move - it’s a statement. It signals that this team isn’t looking to rebuild; it’s ready to reload. And with key players like Holloway, Donald, and Lubin all set to benefit from his presence, the Cardinals’ defense has the pieces to be one of the most disruptive units in the ACC.
Green’s back. And so is Louisville’s swagger on defense.