The buzz around Louisville football is real right now - and for good reason. The Cardinals are making serious noise in the transfer portal, with reports confirming that they’ve reached out to two of the most coveted quarterbacks available: Dylan Raiola and DJ Lagway. Both are former five-star recruits, and just the mention of their names has injected a new level of excitement into the fanbase.
Let’s be clear: landing either Raiola or Lagway would be a game-changer for Louisville. These are quarterbacks with elite pedigree, the kind of players who don’t just fill a roster spot - they elevate an entire program.
Yes, both have had their share of turnover issues early in their college careers, but Jeff Brohm has a strong track record of getting the most out of his quarterbacks. And if there’s a coach who can help these guys tap into their potential, it’s Brohm.
But there’s more to this story than just the quarterback chase. The ripple effect of adding a high-profile QB could be exactly what Louisville needs to hold on to one of its biggest stars: running back Isaac Brown.
Brown has been electric when healthy. In just 20 games over two seasons, he’s racked up 1,955 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on only 256 carries.
That’s an average of 97.5 yards per game - and he’s doing it on just 12 carries a contest. Efficiency like that doesn’t come around often.
He’s already earned ACC Rookie of the Year, Offensive Rookie of the Year, and Freshman All-American honors. Coming into this past season, he was on several preseason All-American lists.
But after a sophomore year that didn’t go quite as planned, there’s some real concern among fans that Brown might be eyeing the transfer portal himself. And with the possibility of losing not just Brown, but also fellow backs Keyjuan Brown and Duke Watson, the Cardinals’ backfield could look very different next season.
That’s where Raiola or Lagway come into play. If Louisville can secure one of these quarterbacks, it could be the kind of move that convinces Brown to stay put.
The chance to play alongside a dynamic quarterback in an offense built to move the ball and score points? That’s a compelling reason to stick around - especially for a player like Brown, who’s already shown he can thrive in the spotlight.
And let’s not forget how momentum works in the world of college sports. Fans saw it firsthand with Louisville basketball when Pat Kelsey’s staff landed Adrian Wooley, and suddenly Ryan Conwell and Isaac McKneely followed. A big-name commitment can set off a chain reaction - and that’s exactly what Cardinal fans are hoping for on the football side.
If Raiola or Lagway chooses Louisville, it wouldn’t just be a win at the quarterback position. It could solidify the future of the backfield, entice other top-tier talent in the portal, and set the stage for one of the most explosive offenses in the ACC.
Right now, the pieces are on the board. The excitement is real. Now it’s up to Brohm and his staff to make the next move - and potentially turn this offseason into a defining moment for Louisville football.