Louisville football was able to convince multiple players to withdraw their names from the Transfer Portal, including star edge rusher AJ Green. The elite sophomore is coming off his best season after earning 31 total tackles, 6.0 tackles for a loss, 4.0 sacks, and one forced fumble.
It was announced on Dec. 24 that Green was planning to enter the portal, but then two weeks later, on Jan. 6, it was reported that the star edge rusher was withdrawing his name. Louisville’s defense got a huge boost with Green returning to the Cardinals, as he has earned a total of 46 tackles, 9.0 for loss, 5.0 sacks, and one forced fumble across three seasons.
So, now that Louisville has one of its stars back and the portal window is closed, we wanted to break down the three players who benefit the most from AJ Green returning to Louisville.
3. Tayon Holloway
With Green returning, it helps the Cardinals' secondary a ton, especially Tayon Holloway. Louisville’s secondary had to replace multiple key cornerbacks and safeties, including two starting safeties and one starting cornerback. So, with Louisville's secondary about to look nearly brand new, it is a boost for the defense that a star defensive lineman returns.
The defensive line providing pressure helps the secondary out a lot. The more pressure the D-Line gets on the quarterback, the less time the wide receivers have to get open. It also means the quarterback might throw a bad ball, and the Cardinals can try to force a turnover. So, with Green coming back, Louisville’s secondary gets a boost as they know one of the best edge rushers in the ACC is returning and will force the quarterback to make ill-advised throws and will impact many plays in 2026.
Holloway was a starter last season and is expected to be a leader of this new secondary after he earned a team-high five pass breakups and added two interceptions.
2. Joshua Donald
Louisville had to replace its star defensive tackles Jordan Guerad and Rene Konga this offseason. The Cards added multiple players with tons of potential, but the Houston transfer, Joshua Donald, is the one we predict will start in the middle next season. Donald didn’t play last year for Houston, but the year prior, he played for Appalachian State, where he totaled 32 tackles, 3.0 sacks, and one forced fumble.
The Cards' defensive line has a lot of potential heading into the 2026 season, and a large reason is its depth. Donald is expected to make an immediate impact for Louisville, and with Green returning on the outside, that will take pressure off Donald in the middle. Donald showed in 2024 that he has the skill to be a dominant force at nose tackle, and with the Cards loading up on the outside, it is a dream scenario for the Houston transfer to have another monster season.
1. Clev Lubin
The player who benefits the most from AJ Green returning is the Cardinals star edge rusher Clev Lubin. The two put on a dominant performance last season and were two of the best edge rushers in the ACC. They allowed one another to stay fresh and to be that dominant duo that was a major reason this defensive line was so lethal.
Lubin finished the season ranked No. 40 in PFF's top 100 with a 92.5 PFF grade after he ranked fourth in the Power Four with 64 pressures, and added 35 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and three pass breakups. Green and Lubin are poised for another massive season together, and with the addition of Tyler Thompson, there is a lot to be excited about for Louisville fans.