The spring transfer portal is officially open, but Jeff Brohm and his Louisville football program still have work to do before the 2025 season starts.
The transfer portal will be open from today, April 16, through April 25, marking a 10-day window. Brohm and the Cardinals have already lost two players to the transfer portal, as Austin Collins and JoJo Stone have entered the portal.
Louisville will try to secure its third straight season of nine wins and be at the top of the ACC, competing with the big dawgs. If Louisville wants to beat Miami, Clemson, or SMU this season, they must utilize this transfer portal and attack some glaring concerns.
So, let's just jump right into it. Here are four positions the the Louisville football team must target in the spring transfer porta.
4 glaring concerns Louisville football must address in the transfer portal
4. Offensive Line
Louisville lost their best offensive linemen to the transfer portal, as Austin Collins is officially moving on. Collins was rated the highest Cardinal lineman by Pro Football Focus, as he gave up zero sacks and just eight pressures on 311 pass-blocking snaps.
This Cardinals front line will be solid next season, but it may be worth looking for a Collins replacement. Someone with experience can help lead this line to the ACC Championship game. The Cardinals' offensive line will play a crucial piece this upcoming year as Miller Moss doesn't like to play under pressure, and Isaac Brown will be the star of this team.
The Cardinals need this line to create gaps for Brown and Duke Watson, as the Cardinals' rushing attack will be highly explosive. Louisville must try to just browse to see if there are any big names entering the portal, as any linemen would love to block for this elite young duo that Brohm has.
This isn't a desire need, but it is something if someone pops up, then maybe reach out and try and see if they can improve their line. Their front right now should be fine, but they didn't put a great showing out on Friday, making it a bit of a concern without Collins.
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3. Tight End
The Cardinals' offense is expected to have some explosive playmakers, but they will lack depth on the offensive side, especially at the tight end position. Louisville is losing its top tight ends from last year, as two entered the transfer portal, and their starter, Mark Redman, declared for the NFL Draft.
Redman earned the fourth most catches last season and the third most receiving yards as he brought in 24 catches for 256 yards, earning three touchdowns. Behind Redman were Jamari Johnson and Izayah Cummings as both hit the portal and then Duane Martin graduated. The Cardinals saw Nate Kurisky as their TE1 in the Spring Game, and while he has some upside and potential, Lousiville must try and bring in an elite playmaker like the 6-foot-4, 240-pound tight end transfer out of Cal, Jack Endries.
The Cardinals need a physical tight end who can block for Brown and the Cardinals' rushing attack, but can get open and be a legitimate threat and top target for Miller Moss. The Cardinals' 4-star commit Jaleel Skinner is expected to get some reps this season, but if Louisville wants to be a contender, they need depth in this position, and they need an elite tight end that can be reliable as a blocker and a receiver.
Related: Perfect TE emerges as strong transfer portal candidate for Louisville football
2. Wide Receiver
Louisville has two elite playmakers on the outside in Caullin Lacy and Chris Bell. The two receivers expect to be some of the best in the ACC, as Bell is even being picked as a top receiver returning to the ACC next season.
However, after these two stars, the Cardinals' depth at wide receiver is a massive hole. The Cardinals saw Antonio Meeks step up in the Spring Game as that WR3, but if Louisville wants to compete and play with the best, they better get at least one wide receiver in the portal for depth alone. The Cardinals need a receiver or someone who can play on the opposite side of Bell and free Lacy and Bell up in the pass game
Lacy was a top 10 receiver with Southern Alabama in 2023 before he transferred, as his primary position is the slot receiver. With Lacy and Bell on the outside, if Brohm can land someone who can run go routes or draw the safeties towards him, then that would free up the other two, or allow this transfer to attack the deep field.
They also need depth. Louisville has already lost a handful of receivers to the portal, and the Cardinals need to address this issue immediately.
Brohm must get someone with experience and has already proven himself in the league. A player many are talking about is Trebor Pena, the top receiver available. The Syracuse transfer is an elite receiver after securing 84 catches for 941 yards and nine touchdowns.
Louisville needs wide receiver depth, and receivers are flooding the portal already, forcing Brohm to go target some playmakers to elevate this offense.
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1. Defensive Backs
The glaring area of concern is Louisville's secondary school. The Cardinals are returning just one defensive back, as their top four of five defensive backs either transferred or declared for the NFL Draft. It will be nearly impossible to replace Quincy Riley this season, but there have been highly recruited corners who have already entered the portal that Brohm must go after.
Louisville saw an impressive performance from their secondary at the Spring Game, especially from Rodney Johnson Jr.. Still, the Cardinals can't be satisfied and must grab some stars from the portal. Gregory Smith III is a name that has floated around social media with some fans, as the 4-star recruit out of high school is transferring from Florida, and with his athletic background, he would be a perfect fit with Louisville.
Another 4-star recruit is Zion Ferguson from the North Carolina Tar Heels. Ferguson had 40 offers coming out of high school, including Louisville, making him a possibility that Louisville might retarget. The Cardinals need depth and experience. Louisville brought in a handful of transfers,, but few have Power 4 experience. Last season, the Cardinal's secondary was their glaring weakness, and looking at the group right now, they seem to be even worse.
Louisville must grab some playmakers on the defensive side that not only be physical and locate the ball well, but must bring leadership and experience to this secondary.