2. Lyndon Cooper
Louisville went on to add multiple offensive linemen in the portal, but in the early days, someone the Cardinals were eyeing was the Pitt transfer Lyndon Cooper. With the Cardinals losing Pete Nygra to the NFL Draft after he ran out of eligibility, the Cardinals were seeking a reliable replacement who could anchor the line and bring immediate stability.
Someone who stood out was the Pitt transfer, as he was ranked as high as the No. 19 IOL and the No. 252 overall transfer in the portal at the time of Louisville’s interest. Cooper was reportedly supposed to visit Louisville, but the former ACC center ended up committing to Vanderbilt.
Cooper started in every game in 2025 and logged 886 snaps in 13 games while allowing just three sacks, 15 pressures, and 10 penalties. Since Copper committed to Vanderbilt, Louisville added key commitments in Eryx Daugherty and Cason Henry, while also bringing back Lance Robinson and Jordan Church