2. Jaleel Skinner | TE
With the entry of tight end Nate Kurisky to the transfer portal, all signs pointed to Jaleel Skinner being the lead weapon at tight end for the Cardinal offense. That was until Louisville went portal shopping for additional depth in newcomers Justyn Reid from Tulane (17 catches, 200 receiving yards, and 3 touchdowns) and Brody Foley from Tulsa (37 catches, 528 receiving yards, and 7 touchdowns). Add in freshman signee Julius Miles, a 3-star tight end from Florida, and Louisville instantly has one of the best position groups in the ACC for 2026.
The competition will ensure Louisville can put the best weapons on the field for new transfer quarterback Lincoln Keinholz, a position that has been underutilized in the Louisville offense in recent years. The additional depth should be a strong motivator for Skinner to stay and elevate his game next season. However, all eyes are on Skinner to see if he wants to step up to the challenge, or move on to a more sure chance of playing time. Skinner was a key contributor for Louisville’s offense this season, which has Cardinals fans hoping he does, in fact, return and show his worth once again next season.