Louisville Set to Host 4-Star Small Forward Trevor Manhertz for Key Official Visit
As the calendar flips to 2026, Louisville basketball is kicking off the new year with a major opportunity on the recruiting trail. The Cardinals are set to host 4-star small forward Trevor Manhertz for an official visit on January 4 - a pivotal moment in what’s shaping up to be a tightly contested ACC recruiting battle.
Manhertz, a 6-foot-8 wing from Christ School in Cary, North Carolina, has emerged as one of the top priorities for Louisville’s 2027 class. Ranked No. 63 nationally and the No. 16 small forward in the class by 247Sports, he’s also considered the No. 3 overall prospect out of North Carolina - a state that consistently produces high-level Division I talent.
But Louisville isn’t the only program pushing hard for Manhertz. Duke is scheduled to host him just four days earlier, on December 31, and both the Blue Devils and Cardinals have already extended official scholarship offers.
Indiana also got in early, hosting Manhertz for a visit in November and following up with an offer shortly after. Notre Dame, Miami, and Virginia are also circling, showing strong interest but yet to secure official visits.
Manhertz’s game checks a lot of boxes for modern college basketball. He’s a fluid, versatile forward with a high basketball IQ and a skill set that allows him to impact the game on both ends of the floor.
Last season, he averaged 13.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.4 steals per game - a well-rounded stat line that showcases his ability to score, distribute, and defend. Even more impressive are his shooting numbers: 50.4% from the field and 40.7% from three-point range.
That kind of efficiency, especially from a young wing, is exactly what programs covet in today’s pace-and-space era.
Louisville extended its offer to Manhertz on December 19, and landing an official visit less than three weeks later is a strong signal of mutual interest. With two commitments already in the 2027 class - three-star guards Ferlandes Wright and Isaac Ellis - the Cards are looking to add a high-ceiling wing to elevate the group.
Wright is currently ranked as high as No. 148 nationally, while Ellis checks in at No. 192, giving Louisville a solid foundation. But Manhertz would be a different kind of get - a potential cornerstone piece in the class.
The competition for his signature is going to be fierce. Duke brings the blue blood pedigree and a long track record of developing NBA-caliber wings.
Indiana’s early involvement could also pay dividends, especially with their recent recruiting momentum. Louisville, however, has positioned itself well.
Hosting a top-100 recruit for an official visit this early in the process shows the staff’s urgency and commitment to building a strong 2027 class - one that already has more pledges than their 2026 group.
There’s still a long road ahead in Manhertz’s recruitment, but January 4 will be a key checkpoint. If Louisville can make a strong impression during his visit, they’ll be right in the thick of things as this recruitment heats up.