Louisville's Secondary Needs Help - And Tawfiq Byard Could Be the Answer
Louisville fans are watching the Transfer Portal like it’s prime-time television - and for good reason. While the quarterback rumors are grabbing headlines (yes, names like Dylan Raiola and DJ Lagway are floating around), the Cardinals have more pressing needs elsewhere.
One of the most urgent? The defensive backfield.
Jeff Brohm and defensive coordinator Ron English are staring down some serious turnover in the secondary. Safeties D’Angelo Hutchinson and Jojo Evans are on their way out, and that leaves a big hole in the back end of the defense.
If Louisville wants to maintain - or elevate - its defensive identity next season, they’ll need to make a strong move in the portal. And one name that should be at the top of their list?
Tawfiq Byard.
Byard is fresh off a season at Colorado, where he started eight games and played in all 12 under Deion Sanders. He didn’t just show up - he showed out.
Byard led the Buffaloes with 85 tackles, forced two fumbles, and added an interception. His eight tackles for loss weren’t just impressive - they rank third all-time in program history for a defensive back.
He also chipped in four pass breakups and half a sack, rounding out a stat line that screams impact player.
This isn’t Byard’s first go-round in the portal. He began his college career at USF, where he put together two solid seasons, tallying 59 tackles, eight TFLs, two sacks, and an interception across 10 starts. That early production laid the foundation for his breakout year in Boulder.
And yes, the name might ring a bell - he’s the younger brother of NFL standout Kevin Byard III, who currently leads the league in interceptions. That kind of pedigree doesn’t guarantee success, but it certainly doesn’t hurt.
Right now, Byard is ranked as the No. 3 safety in the portal and the No. 39 player overall - and those numbers reflect the kind of season he just had. He’s a three-star transfer, but his tape and production tell a much bigger story. He’s physical, instinctive, and brings the kind of versatility that Louisville could use immediately.
For Brohm and English, this isn’t just about filling a roster spot. It’s about finding a tone-setter in the secondary - a player who can lead a defense that’s losing veteran voices.
Byard fits that mold. He’s experienced, productive, and battle-tested in both the AAC and the Pac-12.
That kind of resume doesn’t come around often in the portal.
The competition for Byard will be fierce - that’s what happens when you put up 85 tackles in a Power Five conference. But Louisville can’t afford to sit back and watch.
They need to be aggressive, because the secondary won’t fix itself. And in a world where portal moves can make or break a season, Byard could be the kind of addition that changes everything.
Bottom line: Louisville needs help at safety. Tawfiq Byard is available. The fit makes too much sense to ignore.