Louisville basketball has been trending in the right direction for multiple 5-star recruits. The Cardinals are currently favorites to land Tyran Stokes, Tay Kinney, and Deron Rippey Jr., per On3 Sports, making it clear Pat Kelsey is emerging as one of the best recruiters and coaches in the nation.
The Cardinals have extended offers to over 27 recruits in the 2026 class, including 15 5-star recruits. While Louisville would love to land commitments from all the 5-stars they offer, that is clearly unrealistic. So, here are three absolute long-shot 2026 5-star targets for the Louisville Cardinals.
3 absolute long-shot 2026 5-star targets for Louisville Basketball
3. Toni Bryant
A big-time name that Louisville fans must know of is the 5-star phenom Toni Bryant. The Cardinals are quite behind in the race for this elite 2026 recruit, but if Louisville can land a 5-star like Tyran Stokes and/or 5-star guard Tay Kinney, it wouldn't be surprising if Bryant relooks at Louisville.
Bryant is ranked as high as No. 12 in the 2026 cycle, the second-best power forward, and the second-best player out of Florida. The 6-foot-10, 215-pound forward attends Zephyrhills Christian Academy and already has earned over 25 offers and five visits.
The 5-star forward is trending towards Florida State, North Carolina, and Kansas, as these three have already earned visits. On3 Sports gives Kelsey and the Cardinals less than a one percent chance to earn his commitment, making it clear the odds are stacked against them.