Louisville added another name to its 2028 recruiting board on Thursday, landing in the mix for four-star athlete Cartae Ligon after a conversation with executive director of player personnel Vince Marrow.
Ligon told CardinalAuthority that Marrow reached out and extended an offer, giving the Cardinals a fresh foothold with one of the class’s top 200 prospects. The 6-foot, 180-pound standout from Chillicothe, Ohio, said the conversation stood out to him right away.
"It was pretty cool talking to Coach Marrow and hearing how much he recruits Ohio," Ligon said. "The success he has had made it that much better."
Ligon’s production last season backed up the hype. Playing running back, he piled up 2,130 yards and 25 touchdowns. 247Sports lists him as the No. 11 athlete and No. 192 overall player in the 2028 class, though he’s also drawing attention as a safety on defense.
Louisville sees him as a versatile piece. Ligon said the Cardinals offered him as an athlete and made it clear they could envision him on either side of the ball.
"Louisville offered me as an athlete," Ligon said. "They said they could see me play either side of the ball, but honestly, I think no matter where I go, I'll be able to succeed and have fun while doing it."
The Cardinals aren’t the only Kentucky program in the hunt. Ligon said he also picked up an offer from Kentucky on Thursday, adding another major in-state suitor to a growing list of schools involved in his recruitment.
That list already includes Michigan, NC State, Indiana, Minnesota, and Miami, all of whom he said he hears from regularly. Visits haven’t been scheduled yet, but he expects that to change.
For now, he wants to keep the process moving and see as many places as he can. A trip to Louisville is something he wants to make happen if the relationship continues to grow.
Ligon also spoke highly of Jeff Brohm, saying the Louisville head coach left a strong impression.
"I know that Coach Brohm is a winner," Ligon said. "I know he knows what it takes to make a program win a ton of games. I like that Louisville is a big city and has a large backing from its fanbase."
The recruitment is still early, and Ligon said he’s in no rush to make a decision. He’s thinking about a commitment next summer and wants the full experience before choosing.
"I'm looking to be sure to get to as many [schools] as possible," Ligon said. "I would like to go through the full process, so I'm thinking next summer [for a commitment]."
As he sorts through the options, Ligon said he’s looking for a program that can help him grow, give him a real shot to play, and set him up for life beyond football.
"[I'm looking for] a program that can develop me, that gives me a fair chance to start, has a good culture, can give me a good education, and help me after football because football will come to an end one day."
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