1. Jerod Smith II - Edge
Along with Jacob Smith, Louisville football also hosted Jerod Smith II. Jerod is coming off his best season after earning 27 tackles, five tackles for a loss, a forced fumble, and a sack this year. The 6-foot-4, 275-pound defensive linemen would be a big-time splash for the Cardinals as he would give this defensive line much-needed depth after the Cards have lost AJ Green and Justin Beadles to the portal.
He was an elite recruit out of high school as he was ranked even higher than his brother. Jerod was ranked No. 89 in the nation, the ninth-best edge rusher, and was the best recruit from Kentucky in the 2024 recruiting class. He is now ranked No. 310 in the Transfer Portal and is the 25th-best defensive lineman after his two seasons with Kentucky.
With Vince Marrow already earning his commitment when he was at Kentucky, ahead of big-time programs like Notre Dame, Georgia, and Alabama, it feels like he has a strong chance of earning the Smith brothers' commitment again.