Louisville basketball has had a dominant recruiting run so far this offseason, as Pat Kelsey has landed six commitments from the Transfer Portal and three from the 2026 recruiting class. Kelsey has had an eye-popping stretch in recruiting, landing multiple 5-stars in Obinna Ekezie Jr. and Flory Bidunga.
However, Cardinals fans just learned yesterday that one of their 4-star targets in the 2028 recruiting class, Kam Mercer, committed to the Cardinals' rival, the Cincinnati Bearcats.
NEWS: 2028 5⭐ Kam Mercer has committed to Cincinnati, he told @LeagueRDY.
— Sam Kayser (@KayserHoops) May 21, 2026
The 6-foot-5 guard out of Cincinnati, Ohio also plans to reclassify to the 2027 class, per source.
Big time local addition for the Bearcats. pic.twitter.com/acuLQjeB4m
4-star SG commits to Cincinnati over Louisville, Xavier and others
Louisville hosted the 4-star for an unofficial visit in late 2025. Louisville had the connection with Mercer, as the Cardinals' head coach is also from the Cincinnati area; however, the Bearcats landed the local 4-star over the Cards.
Mercer earned over 11 offers, including from Louisville, Maryland, Florida State, Ohio State, Xavier, Villanova, and others. The 4-star shooting guard ranks as high as No. 31 overall in the 2028 recruiting class and No. 2 among shooting guards.
The Ohio native reclassified to the 2027 recruiting class, meaning he would have joined the 'Cardinals' 4-star commitment, Ferlandes Wright, if Mercer had committed to Louisville. The Cards had three commitments in the 2027 recruiting class, but Ekezie and Isaac Ellis decided to reclass and join the 2026 recruiting class, and be part of the Cardinals' National Title quest this upcoming season.
While Kentucky is the in-state rival and the Cardinals' biggest rival, Louisville has played Cincinnati more than any other program. Louisville and Cincinnati have a historic rivalry as the two programs have played 101 times, dating back to the 1920-21 season. Louisville holds the record with a 57-44 record against the Bearcats, including a win this past season when Kelsey and Louisville defeated Cincinnati 74-64.
Mercer is a talented shooting guard who would have been a key commitment, but Kelsey has now shown multiple times that he knows how to dominate the Transfer Portal and build a Final Four-contending team. It is also worth noting that four Louisville natives rank in the top 100 of the 2028 recruiting class, including Joshua Lindsay, who ranks No. 19 overall. So, the Cardinals have plenty of time and options to go target after Mercer’s commitment.
Also read: Louisville could dominate the 2028 recruiting class after 247Sports reveals top 150
For all the latest on Louisville basketball's offseason and recruiting, stay tuned.
Add us as a preferred source on Google