Louisville Lands Versatile Safety Jarcoby Vann in Late Recruiting Win
Just ahead of the early signing period, Louisville scored a major recruiting victory by flipping one of Ohio’s top defensive backs. Jarcoby Vann, a standout from Middletown High School, announced his commitment to the Cardinals on December 1, fresh off an official visit to campus. It’s a big-time get for Louisville, especially this late in the cycle - and one that could pay dividends sooner rather than later.
Vann had been committed to Michigan State since June, but with coaching changes shaking things up in East Lansing, he reopened his recruitment in the fall. That gave Louisville an opening, and they didn’t waste any time. The staff quickly identified Vann as a priority, and after offering him in November, they closed the deal just a few weeks later.
At 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, Vann brings a rare mix of size, athleticism, and football IQ to the table. He’s not just a safety - he’s a football player in every sense of the word.
During his senior season, he helped lead Middletown to an 11-3 record and a deep playoff run that ended in the state semifinals. His stat line tells the story: 57 tackles (37 solo), three tackles for loss, three interceptions, four pass breakups, and a forced fumble across 14 games.
And that’s just on defense.
Vann’s versatility has been a calling card throughout his high school career. He’s lined up at safety, nickel, running back, and even contributed as a return man.
That kind of do-it-all ability is exactly what college coaches covet, especially in today’s game where hybrid defenders are more valuable than ever. Louisville clearly sees him as someone who can impact the game in multiple phases.
There’s also a strong football pedigree in Vann’s background. His father played at Cincinnati, and his uncles suited up for Eastern Michigan. That kind of family foundation often shows up in the way a player approaches the game - and by all accounts, Vann plays with the confidence and instincts of someone who’s been around the sport his whole life.
Louisville wasn’t the only school chasing him down the stretch. Vann chose the Cardinals over a list of offers that included Iowa, Wisconsin, Purdue, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Akron. Kentucky had actually offered earlier in his high school career, but it was Louisville that made the strongest late push - and ultimately won out.
He’s rated as the No. 34 player in Ohio and the No. 67 safety nationally by 247Sports, but rankings only tell part of the story. What stands out more is how coaches and analysts talk about him.
Middletown head coach Kali Jones didn’t mince words: “He single-handedly altered games,” Jones said. “He’s a phenomenal athlete.”
247Sports national recruiting analyst Allen Trieu echoed that sentiment, noting Vann’s physicality and knack for big plays.
Vann himself pointed to the full package Louisville offered - the program, the city, and the plan laid out for his development - as key reasons behind his decision. “They have a great school, great program in a great city that’s close to home,” he said. “I felt like they have a plan for me.”
That plan will kick off sooner than later. Vann is set to enroll early and will arrive on campus in January, giving him a head start on learning the system and competing for a role in the secondary.
Bottom line: Louisville just added a tough, smart, and versatile defender who can help in a number of ways. Whether it’s in the box, in coverage, or on special teams, Vann brings the kind of athleticism and football sense that could make him a difference-maker sooner than expected. This late-cycle flip might not grab national headlines, but it’s the kind of move that can quietly elevate a recruiting class - and a defense.