The vibes in Louisville right now? Electric.
Jeff Brohm is quietly - or not so quietly - putting together one of the most complete rosters in the country. The Cardinals are riding high in ESPN’s way-too-early Top 25, landing at No. 14, and a big reason for that is their aggressive, calculated work in the Transfer Portal.
We're talking 30 new additions - a top-five portal class nationally - and Brohm didn’t just bring in talent; he retained key pieces like Isaac Brown and Antonio Watts, keeping the core intact.
With the portal window closing and the roster mostly set, it’s clear Louisville didn’t just patch holes - they upgraded. Let’s break down five position groups where the Cardinals took significant steps forward through the portal.
5. Offensive Line: From Question Mark to Reinforced Wall
Losing four of five starters in the trenches is never ideal. Add in the unexpected departure of projected starter Jordan Church, and Louisville had some serious work to do up front. Brohm responded with a full-scale rebuild, and the results are impressive.
The headliners? Cason Henry from South Carolina and Eryx Daugherty from Boston College - both top-250 overall players in the portal and among the top 20 interior linemen. That’s not just plugging gaps; that’s retooling with high-upside guys who can start right away.
They didn’t stop there. Kentucky transfer Evan Wibberley brings experience at center, a critical position for any offense trying to find rhythm. And for depth, they added Johnnie Brown III (Georgia Southern) and Anwar O’Neal (Delaware), two under-the-radar pickups who could become key rotation pieces.
Let’s not forget Lance Robinson, the returning lineman who gives this group some continuity. Last year’s line struggled early, but with this kind of overhaul, the Cardinals are in a much better place to protect the quarterback and establish the run in 2026.
4. Edge Rusher: Depth, Production, and Star Power
Louisville’s edge room might be its most quietly dangerous unit heading into next season. Not only did they retain key disruptors AJ Green and Clev Lubin, but they added two more high-ceiling pass rushers in Tyler Thompson and Jerod Smith II.
Thompson brings proven production - 26 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 7 sacks, two forced fumbles, and a pass deflection last season. That’s not just solid; that’s game-changing off the edge. He joins Green and Lubin, who both ranked top-10 in ACC sacks last year, giving Louisville a trio that can wreak havoc on any offensive line.
Jerod Smith II, a former Kentucky Wildcat, adds even more juice. He had 27 tackles, five for loss, and a sack last season, and he brings a pedigree that includes offers from Alabama, Notre Dame, and Georgia.
His twin brother, Jacob Smith, also joins the fold. While Jacob hasn’t logged much college playing time yet, he was a top-100 recruit in 2024 and had a monster senior season in high school.
This group is deep, athletic, and built to pressure the quarterback from every angle.
3. Tight End: A Room Rebuilt With Firepower
After losing both Nate Kurisky and Davon Mitchell to the portal, Louisville didn’t waste time reloading at tight end - and they may have upgraded in the process.
The big splash came with Brody Foley, a 4-star transfer from Tulsa who ranks as high as No. 84 overall and No. 5 among tight ends in the portal. Foley’s stat line last season - 37 catches, 540 yards, 7 touchdowns - shows he’s not just a safety valve; he’s a legitimate weapon in the passing game.
For added depth, the Cards brought in Justyn Reid from Tulane. He’s coming off his best college season with 17 catches, 200 yards, and three scores. Together, Foley and Reid give Brohm a versatile tight end duo that can block, stretch the field, and create mismatches in the red zone.
2. Quarterback: A New Leader Steps In
Louisville’s quarterback room got wiped clean after 2025. Miller Moss graduated, and Deuce Adams, Brady Allen, and Mason Mims all hit the portal. That’s four QBs out the door - and a major void to fill.
Enter Lincoln Kienholz.
The former 4-star and top-10 QB in the 2023 class comes in from Ohio State, and while he didn’t see much game action in Columbus, the tools are there. He’s accurate, athletic, and tailor-made for Brohm’s system. He’s also the fifth-highest ranked portal commitment this cycle, checking in at No. 160 overall and No. 18 among quarterbacks.
Behind him, Louisville added Davin Wydner, a former Ole Miss QB who most recently played at West Georgia. Wydner adds experience and depth, giving the Cardinals a solid QB2 option should they need it.
Kienholz is expected to take the reins in 2026, and while he’s still unproven at the college level, the upside is undeniable.
1. Wide Receiver: From Empty Cupboard to Loaded Room
This was the biggest area of need - and Louisville addressed it in a big way.
With top targets Chris Bell and Caullin Lacy gone and a few others transferring out, the receiver room was thin. But after a flurry of portal activity, it’s now one of the most intriguing units on the roster.
The headliners are Tre Richardson and Lawayne McCoy - both 4-star transfers, both ranked inside the top 100 overall in the portal. Richardson comes in at No. 66, McCoy at No. 86, and both are expected to make an immediate impact.
But it doesn’t stop there. Louisville added former Mr.
Kentucky Football Montavin Quisenberry, Drake transfer Jackson Voth, and managed to keep Kris Hughes and TreyShun Hurry in the fold. That’s a deep, versatile group with a mix of speed, size, and experience.
The room looks completely different, and that’s a good thing. With Kienholz under center and Brohm calling the plays, this revamped receiver corps could be explosive.
Final Thoughts
Louisville didn’t just survive the Transfer Portal - they dominated it. Jeff Brohm and his staff identified needs, attacked the portal with purpose, and came away with one of the most talent-rich classes in the country. From the offensive line to the quarterback spot, and especially out wide, the Cardinals are reloaded and ready to make serious noise in 2026.
If this roster gels the way it looks on paper, Louisville could be a legitimate contender - not just in the ACC, but on the national stage.