Louisville Bolsters Offensive Line with Key Addition of Kentucky Transfer Evan Wibberley
Louisville just made a major move in the trenches - and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
Late Saturday night, the Cardinals landed a commitment from former Kentucky offensive lineman Evan Wibberley, marking the fifth Wildcat to flip to Louisville this offseason. Wibberley joins a growing list of ex-Kentucky players making the move across the state, including defensive back DJ Waller, edge rushers Jacob and Jerod Smith, and wide receiver Montavin Quisenberry.
But this one hits a little different - because it addresses a glaring need.
The Cardinals have been in the market for a center after losing Jordan Church to the transfer portal and former starter Pete Nygra to graduation and the NFL Draft. Until now, none of Louisville’s offseason additions had real center experience. That changes with Wibberley, who not only brings experience at the position but also a proven track record of high-level play.
Wibberley’s journey has taken a few turns. He started his college career at Western Kentucky, redshirting in 2022 before seeing limited action in 2023.
But 2024 was his breakout year. As the Hilltoppers’ starting center, he played 939 total snaps and logged 553 in pass protection - and here’s the kicker - he didn’t allow a single sack all season and gave up just 10 total pressures.
That kind of consistency in the middle of the line is rare, and it earned him All-Conference USA honors, including a fourth-team nod from Phil Steele.
His Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade? A rock-solid 86.3 - good for sixth among all FBS centers.
That’s not just good, that’s elite. And now he brings that pedigree to a Louisville offensive line that’s already been retooled with transfer talent.
The Cardinals have been active in the portal, loading up with offensive linemen from across the country. Wibberley joins Delaware transfer Anwar O'Neal, Georgia Southern tackle Johnnie Brown III, Boston College’s Eryx Daugherty, and South Carolina’s Cason Henry. Among them, Daugherty (No. 223) and Henry (No. 248) are the highest-ranked prospects in the portal, but Wibberley holds his own, coming in at No. 902 overall and No. 80 among interior offensive linemen.
At 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, Wibberley brings size, technique, and experience to a unit that’s looking to establish itself as a strength in 2026. With a legitimate shot to start from day one, he fills a critical hole in the middle of the line - and gives head coach Jeff Brohm and offensive line coach Vince Marrow a foundational piece to build around.
This isn’t just a depth move. This is a potential anchor - and exactly the kind of pickup that can help stabilize an offense transitioning into a new season with big expectations.