Elite 4-star commit gives Louisville football gut-wrenching update after Purdue visit

Louisville football received heartbreaking news late Sunday afternoon, as the Cardinals learned that another 4-star recruit had decommitted from the program. One of the Cardinals' top prospects in the 2026 cycle, Josiah Hope, announced he will decommit from the University of Louisville and will look elsewhere.

This crushing news comes with a massive sting, as Louisville was dominating the state of Kentucky, and Hope was ranked as high as a 4-star recruit and the second-best player in Kentucky. The Cardinals earned, at the time of his commitment, four of the top five players from Kentucky and six of the top ten, but now, after his gut-wrenching update, Louisville will have to move on from the defensive linemen.

The former Cardinal commit is ranked as high as No. 274 in the nation and the 67th-best defensive lineman. Louisville will now look elsewhere for their future defensive lineman star, but not having Hope now will be a tough loss.

Related: Louisville football continues in-state domination with another 4-star 2026 commit

Elite 4-star commit gives Louisville football gut-wrenching update after Purdue visit

Hope has extremely high potential at the collegiate level, and his numbers from last season prove that. In his junior season at North Hadin, he earned an astounding 61 tackles, including 19 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and two forced fumbles.

Louisville football learned earlier on Sunday that it earned a key 3-star commitment after a big-time visit over the weekend. Kris Dunn marks the Cardinals now 17th commit after Hope's decommitment.

Louisville 2026 commitments now rank No. 24 in the nation after losing two 4-stars. The 2026 Louisville cycle is highlighted by four 4-star and 12 3-star recruits. One of the top commitments is Evan Hampton, who was ranked above Hope.

Hampton comes in ranked No. 1 from Kentucky, as he committed to Jeff Brohm and Louisville back in March. Hope's news is quite shocking after Louisville brought over Vince Marrow, as the newest member of the Cardinals' staff is one of the best recruiters in the nation.

Hope is now trending towards Purdue, as he recently took a visit to the University on June 6. Hope has earned 11 total offers, including from LSU, Auburn, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Arkansas, and, of course, Purdue.

Related: Louisville football makes a massive splash with 4-star RB commitment

For all the latest on Louisville football's offseason and recruiting, stay tuned.