The transfer portal window has officially closed, and Louisville football can breathe a little easier. After a two-week stretch that saw 29 Cardinals enter the portal, the program managed to avoid any catastrophic losses-most notably keeping key talents like Isaac Brown and AJ Green in the fold. In an era where roster turnover is the new normal, that’s no small feat.
But this wasn’t just about damage control. Louisville didn’t just survive the portal chaos-they thrived in it.
According to national rankings, the Cardinals had one of the most impressive portal hauls in the country, checking in at No. 4 via On3 Sports and No. 15 by 247Sports. That kind of national recognition speaks volumes about the work being done behind the scenes by head coach Jeff Brohm and recruiting coordinator Vince Marrow.
Brohm and Marrow didn’t just plug holes-they reloaded. Louisville added 27 players during the portal window, with an aggressive start that saw 18 commitments in the first week alone. That early momentum set the tone for what turned into one of the most productive offseasons in the country.
Among the headliners: quarterback Lincoln Kienholz, tight end Brody Foley, and offensive lineman Eryx Daugherty. Kienholz brings a dynamic presence under center, giving the offense a versatile weapon who can keep defenses honest with both his arm and his legs. Foley adds a reliable target in the passing game, and Daugherty is the kind of trench warrior who can anchor a line for years to come.
The key here isn't just the names, but the timing and cohesion of the effort. Louisville didn’t wait for chaos to unfold-they got out ahead of it. By locking in early commitments and holding onto cornerstone players from the 2025 class, the Cardinals built continuity in a college football landscape that rarely offers it.
This wasn’t just a solid portal season-it was a statement. Louisville is building something under Brohm, and if this offseason is any indication, the foundation is only getting stronger.