Louisville’s offseason reload has been nothing short of aggressive - and effective. With 27 transfers already added through the portal, the Cardinals are clearly not just dipping their toes in the water; they’re diving in headfirst.
But even with a top-five portal class nationally, there’s still work to be done. And as the Transfer Portal deadline looms, Louisville isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.
The latest addition? Joshua Donald, a defensive lineman who brings some serious upside.
Donald didn’t see the field last season at Houston, but don’t let that fool you - this guy can play. Back in his Appalachian State days, Donald started 10 games at nose tackle and made his presence felt.
He racked up 31 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. That’s the kind of production that doesn’t just show up on stat sheets - it shows up on film, too.
He’s disruptive, he’s physical, and he adds depth to a defensive front that needed a little more bite.
With Donald in the fold, the focus now shifts to three key areas: offensive line, secondary, and wide receiver. These are the spots where the Cardinals still need reinforcements if they want to turn a strong offseason into a complete one.
Let’s break it down.
Offensive Line:
Louisville’s offense took strides last season, but the line still had its shaky moments - particularly in pass protection.
With a few key departures and some unproven depth, adding a veteran presence up front could be the difference between a good offense and a great one. Whether it’s a tackle who can lock down the edge or an interior lineman who brings some nastiness in the run game, this is a position group that could use another anchor.
Secondary:
The back end of the defense has talent, but it’s thin.
Injuries exposed that last year, and with the ACC loaded with pass-happy offenses, Louisville can’t afford to be short-handed in coverage. A versatile defensive back who can play both safety and corner would be a huge asset - especially someone who’s seen live reps at the Power Five level.
Depth, experience, and versatility are the name of the game here.
Wide Receiver:
The Cardinals have some playmakers returning, but they’re missing that one receiver who can tilt the field - the kind of guy who can take the top off a defense or win one-on-one matchups on the outside. A transfer with size, speed, and proven production would immediately raise the ceiling of this offense, especially with a quarterback room that’s looking to take the next step.
Now, are there dream targets still floating around the portal who could fill these roles? Absolutely.
But landing them is easier said than done. These are the kind of players every major program wants - guys who can walk into a new locker room and start from Day 1.
The odds are long, but that doesn’t mean Louisville isn’t in the mix. With the way this staff has attacked the portal so far, it’s clear they’re not afraid to swing big.
So while the Cardinals already have one of the most impressive transfer hauls in the country, the job’s not done. And if they can hit on just one more difference-maker - especially at one of these three positions - this offseason could go from great to game-changing.