Louisville Football Transfer Portal Preview: Breaking Down the Cardinals' Top Offseason Needs
The NCAA transfer portal officially opens Friday, and for Louisville, that means it’s go time. This is the only transfer window of the offseason under the NCAA’s updated rules, and it stays open through Jan.
- For head coach Jeff Brohm and his staff, it’s another crucial stretch to reload and reshape the roster after a 9-4 season capped by wins over Kentucky and Toledo, including a 27-22 victory in the Boca Raton Bowl.
Brohm has already shown he knows how to work the portal. In his first offseason at the helm, he brought in 25 transfers and took that group to a 10-4 record and an ACC Championship appearance.
The next cycle brought 27 more additions, and this year’s squad-built with 28 transfers-put together another strong campaign. Some signees didn’t stick around past spring ball, but the point remains: Brohm has made the portal a cornerstone of his roster-building strategy.
Now, with the portal window open again, it’s time to look at where Louisville needs to hit the hardest. Here's a breakdown of the Cardinals' top positional needs heading into the offseason, ranked by urgency.
1. Offensive Line
Let’s start in the trenches, because that’s where Louisville is feeling the biggest squeeze. The Cardinals are losing three starters-center Pete Nygra and tackles Rasheed Miller and Trevonte Sylvester-all out of eligibility. That’s a major hit to the core of the offense.
Jordan Church emerged late in the year and will be back at guard, and Lance Robinson is hoping for a waiver to return. But even with those two, the numbers are thin.
Of the 15 scholarship offensive linemen still on the roster, five are true freshmen and three more are redshirt freshmen. That’s a lot of youth and not much proven depth.
This is a position where Louisville will not only need quantity but will also have to invest heavily to bring in experienced, plug-and-play talent. Expect the Cardinals to be aggressive here.
2. Quarterback
Even before the portal losses, quarterback was going to be a priority. Now, with Deuce Adams and Brady Allen both entering the portal, it’s a full-on necessity.
Brohm has made it a habit to bring in experienced quarterbacks each offseason-Jack Plummer, Tyler Shough, and most recently Miller Moss. That trend is set to continue, and this year, it’s arguably more important than ever.
This isn’t about filling a room-it’s about finding the guy. Louisville needs a leader under center who can elevate the offense and give this team a chance to compete at the top of the ACC. Expect the staff to swing big.
3. Defensive Line (Interior)
The defensive front is losing some serious muscle. Starters Rene Konga and Jordan Guerad are gone, and Denzel Lowry filled in during the bowl game. That’s a lot of experience walking out the door.
Jerry Lawson flashed some potential, and there are a few young players who could step up. But this is a spot where Brohm and his staff need to bring in at least two interior linemen who can contribute immediately. The defensive line has been a strength, and they’ll want to keep it that way.
4. Wide Receiver
The receiver room is thin-at least in terms of returning experience. Only four wideouts from last season are back, and while the incoming freshman class is talented (with three of the four arriving next week), relying solely on youth can be risky.
Louisville will be looking to add two high-level starters and a couple more for depth. This offense thrives on explosive plays, and the Cardinals need more proven weapons on the outside to keep defenses honest.
5. Tight End
Tight end has been a tough position for Louisville to get high-impact production from during Brohm’s tenure so far. That could change soon.
Jaleel Skinner is back after a solid season, and freshman Julius Miles is a name to watch. But with Ryan Wallace departing the coaching staff, the position is in transition. Expect the Cardinals to target two or three tight ends who can stretch the field, block in the run game, and bring versatility to the offense.
6. Safety
The safety room is light on numbers and experience. D’Angelo Hutchinson and Jojo Evans are gone, leaving Corey Gordon as the only returnee with real game reps.
True freshman Micah Rice showed some flashes, and signee Jordan Vann adds promise, but that’s still just three bodies. Louisville needs to add at least two safeties who can step in and compete for starting roles right away.
7. Cornerback
Corner is in slightly better shape than safety, but it’s still an area that needs attention.
Tayon Holloway had a standout year and will be back to anchor the group. Justin Agu brings some experience, and there are a couple of young players in the pipeline. The incoming class includes Jaydin Broadnax, the highest-rated recruit in the group.
Still, the staff will be looking for at least one starter and another player or two to solidify the depth chart.
8. Defensive End
This position is in solid shape-if Clev Lubin returns. Lubin was one of the best edge players in the ACC, and pairing him with Justin Beadles, who had some bright moments, gives Louisville a strong foundation. Eric Hazzard and other young players add to the depth.
The Cardinals will likely look to add one or two more edge rushers, but this isn’t a high-priority need unless something changes.
9. Running Back
This one’s tricky-not because of a lack of talent, but because it’s hard to predict who stays.
Right now, the group includes Isaac Brown, Keyjuan Brown, Duke Watson, Braxton Jennings, and Lekhy Thompkins. That’s a deep and versatile room.
If all three of the top backs return, there’s no need to add anyone. But if one or more depart, the staff will likely look to bring in a replacement.
10. Linebacker
Linebacker is in a good spot heading into the offseason. If Stanquan Clark and TJ Capers return, and with youngsters Caleb Matelau and Cameron White flashing potential, the room has a solid mix of experience and upside.
Antonio Watts is coming off a knee injury, so there may be a need to add depth behind him. But overall, this is one of the more stable positions on the roster.
Final Thoughts
Louisville’s staff has shown they know how to work the portal-and they’ll need to do it again. The offensive line and quarterback positions are top priorities, but there are needs across the board, especially on defense and at wide receiver.
With the window open until Jan. 16, expect Brohm and company to be active early and often. The Cardinals are building something, and this portal class could be the next big step in that process.