Louisville basketball continues to go all gas and no brakes in recruiting as the 2025-26 season is quickly approaching. The fall commitment date is just around the corner, and with many Cardinals fans watching 5-star Taylen Kinney and the rumors around him, it is just as essential to keep a close eye on another top target of Pat Kelsey's.
While Kelsey and the Cardinals fans claim they are 'PGU', Louisville is also trying to be a top landing spot for the bigs. And after striking out on the No. 1 center in Arafan Diane, the Cardinals have put all their marbles in rising prospect and elite 4-star center Josh Irving.
Louisville fans learned today that they have a crucial visit this weekend from the elite center, and with the Cardinals still missing that first 2026 commitment, Irving is trending in the right direction to be that first domino to fall their way.
Related: Louisville basketball’s top center target is undeniable after Arafan Diane's update
Louisville will host one of their top targets this weekend
Irving will begin his massive official visit to Louisville this afternoon, and Kelsey and the Cardinals have to stand out as the 4-star center is on a massive tour. Louisville's top center target is down to just seven schools as Louisville, Kentucky, Kansas, USC, SMU, Texas A&M, and San Diego State are all battling it out for the 4-star commitment.
Five-star senior Josh Irving begins his official visit to Louisville today, he told @Stockrisers. Huge visitor for Pat Kelsey and the staff. He discussed the Cardinals and his other remaining suitors.
— Jake (@jakeweingarten) September 18, 2025
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Irving recently visited San Diego State on August 21, followed by SMU on August 30, Kansas on September 12, and is now visiting Louisville. He will then travel to Texas A&M on September 27, Kentucky on October 12, and USC on October 17. So, with Iring visiting every program as of now, Kelsey and the Cardinals must stand out and be the clear choice for the elite center, as he not only is one of their top targets, but at 6-foot-10, he is the perfect player to play in Kelsey's style.
Irving ranks as high as a 4-star prospect in the 2026 class and ranks No. 50 in the 2026 cycle and the No. 4-ranked center. Louisville has made it clear that it wants Irving and has prioritized him for quite some time now.
But as of now, On3 Sports gives USC the best chance of landing Irving with a 23.9 percent chance, and then they give Louisville the fifth-best chance with an 11.3 percent chance, with San Diego State, SMU, and Kansas also above the Cardinals in a tight race.
If Louisville wants to make a jump and leapfrog themselves to the front of the race, this visit marks a crucial weekend for Kelsey and the Cardinals, and they must do all that they can to earn that first 2026 commitment.
Related: Louisville takes big step forward after key recruiting update from 4-star center
For all the latest on Louisville basketball's offseason and recruiting, stay tuned.