Yesterday, the Louisville Cardinals struck out on one of their top targets, Colben Landrew. The 4-star shooting guard is one of the purest shooters and scorers in the 2026 class, and someone who would have fit perfectly in Pat Kelsey's system. However, the top 20 recruit committed to the UConn Huskies over Louisville.
After Landrew committed to UConn and Taylen Kinney committed to Kansas, fans took to social media to voice their opinions. While they were upset and annoyed by the program's unsuccessful attempts to secure both commitments, they also expressed their thoughts on what the program should do moving forward. The fans made it clear that they loved how the team utilized the Transfer Portal and would rather have experienced players who want to play for Louisville, rather than first-year students who want a big paycheck.
Louisville basketball fans frustrated after disappointing recruiting class
The Cardinals had one of the best offseasons this past year, landing three top-20 recruits in Adrian Wooley, Ryan Conwell, and Isaac McKneely. The fans might prefer that route rather than try to land a 5-star recruit from a recruiting class.
Just do portal.
— ScB (@IntoTheVoid502) September 30, 2025
These teens just want a bag.
Mikal Brown is rare.
Stop wasting time on the bag boys.
This is a bold take, but it does make some sense. Louisville's transfer class was one of the best in the nation, and if Kelsey can establish a reputation for success in the portal, then high school recruiting may not be nearly as significant. However, having 5-star Mikel Brown Jr. was a significant catch for these transfers, which means that if the Cardinals can try to land one or two elite recruits, then that should set up their transfer class.
The 2026 class for Louisville is off to a slow start, and with it looking like the Cardinals are out on Stokes, the fans are absolutely right that Kelsey is going to have to hit the Transfer Portal hard. Landrew was the Cardinals' biggest target remaining, and now it is 4-star Josh Irving. The center is an elite 6-foot-11 big man ranked No. 51 in the nation, but besides him, there isn't much going on in the 2026 class for the Cards.
So, if Louisville lands Irving, that would be a massive get, and maybe they can recruit others to follow, but if they strike out on him as well, Kelsey is going to have to work miracles again and land some elite players from the Transfer Portal for the second straight year.
Some other notable recruits to keep an eye on for the 2026 recruiting class are Stokes, of course, and then Deron Rippey Jr., Jaxon Richardson, Jayden Johnson, and Ikenna Alozie.
Related: Louisville aims to land first 2026 commitment with crucial visit from elite prospect
For all the latest on Louisville basketball's offseason and recruiting, stay tuned.