Louisville’s quarterback room is officially back in flux.
With backup QB Deuce Adams entering the transfer portal, head coach Jeff Brohm is once again turning to the portal to find his next starting signal-caller - a familiar move for the program since Brohm took over. In fact, every season under Brohm has featured a portal quarterback under center, and 2026 looks like it’ll continue that trend.
But this offseason feels a little different.
With both Adams and Pierce Clarkson Allen out of the picture, and rumors swirling around some of the biggest names in the portal, it’s clear Brohm isn’t just looking to fill a spot - he’s aiming for a game-changer. Reports have linked Louisville to two of the most high-profile quarterbacks available: DJ Lagway and Dylan Raiola. Both are elite talents with massive upside, and both would come with a hefty NIL price tag - something that’s stirred up some debate among fans about whether the investment would pay off.
For those wondering if there’s a more strategic (and potentially more affordable) route to take, there are other intriguing options out there. Let’s take a closer look at three quarterbacks Louisville could target who bring a mix of upside, experience, and scheme fit - without the multimillion-dollar bidding war.
3. Deuce Knight - Auburn Transfer
If you’re looking for long-term potential with a high ceiling, Deuce Knight checks a lot of boxes. The former 5-star recruit was ranked No. 28 overall in the 2025 class and was the fifth-best quarterback in the nation. He’s a true freshman with four years of eligibility left - and that’s exactly the kind of developmental runway fans have been asking for.
Knight’s dual-threat ability made him a standout in high school, where he threw for 2,067 yards and 25 touchdowns, while adding 450 yards and 12 scores on the ground. At Auburn, he saw limited action but flashed in a game against Mercer, completing 75% of his passes for 239 yards and two touchdowns.
The tools are there - arm talent, mobility, and a frame that can grow into the college game. With Brohm’s track record of developing quarterbacks, Knight could be a long-term answer rather than a one-year rental.
2. Kenny Minchey - Notre Dame Transfer
Kenny Minchey might not be the flashiest name in the portal, but he’s a savvy option with upside and value. After three seasons at Notre Dame, Minchey hit the portal following a QB battle loss to CJ Carr. He was a 4-star prospect in the 2023 class, ranked as high as No. 171 nationally, and now sits as the No. 10 quarterback and No. 32 overall player in the portal.
Minchey is a dual-threat quarterback who can extend plays with his legs, and he’ll enter 2026 as a redshirt junior - meaning he brings experience and multiple years of eligibility. In limited action this past season, he completed 77% of his 26 passes for 196 yards.
While the sample size is small, the efficiency is notable. For a program looking to build continuity at the position, Minchey offers a blend of affordability, mobility, and growth potential.
1. Josh Hoover - TCU Transfer
If Brohm is looking for a proven veteran who can step in and command the offense from day one, Josh Hoover is the guy.
The TCU transfer brings more experience than any other quarterback in the portal, having started every game over the past two seasons, plus eight starts in 2023. He’s coming off a record-breaking year where he threw for 3,949 yards - the most in a single season in TCU history - and led the Horned Frogs to a 9-4 finish. Across four seasons, Hoover has totaled 9,629 passing yards, 71 touchdowns, and a 65.2% completion rate.
At 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, Hoover fits the mold of a Brohm-style quarterback - accurate, poised, and capable of pushing the ball downfield. He won’t bring multiple years of eligibility, but if Louisville can retain standout wide receiver Isaac Brown and pair him with Hoover, this offense could be one of the most dangerous in the ACC. It’s a win-now move that aligns perfectly with Brohm’s aggressive, pass-heavy system.
Bottom Line
Louisville’s quarterback search is heating up, and while the big names like Lagway and Raiola are dominating headlines, there are other high-upside options that may offer better value and a clearer path to long-term success. Whether Brohm opts for a developmental project like Deuce Knight, a dual-threat with room to grow like Kenny Minchey, or an experienced gunslinger like Josh Hoover, the Cards are once again in position to reshape their offense through the portal.
One thing’s for sure: the quarterback carousel in Louisville isn’t slowing down anytime soon - and all eyes will be on who steps off it next.