Louisville basketball gut-wrenched by elite SF after crushing recruiting update

Louisville basketball was in the running for many elite small forwards, but the top target is undoubtedly the nation's No. 1 overall recruit, Tyran Stokes. The Louisville native is a star, having already won three gold medals, and is the consensus No. 1 overall recruit and small forward in the 2026 class.

However, with recent news that Louisville is falling behind, the Cardinals have a solid backup plan in Anthony Felesi, an elite 4-star small forward who ranks as one of the top 50 recruits in the nation. The Cardinals were trending in the right direction for Felesi, but after he took official visits to Pittsburgh, San Diego State, and USC, the Cardinals were given a crushing blow.

Related: Louisville in tight recruiting battle for 4-star SF after landing official visit

Louisville basketball gets crushing blow from top 50 recruit

Louisville was once considered one of the top spots for Felesi, as he stated they were one of the top schools that constantly kept in touch and reached out. The Cardinals' loyalty earned them an official visit for their massive showdown with Kansas, as a 4-star recruit was going to visit on October 25. However, the Cardinals have just received the news that they will no longer earn the visit and host the 4-star, as he has cancelled it and cut the Cardinals from his list, according to Sam Kayser.

The 6-foot-5, 180-pound small forward ranked as high as No. 49 in the 2026 recruiting class, and the No. 21 small forward, per 247Sports. The Cards were in the running for multiple elite small forwards, but with Stokes at their top priority, that may be affecting their pursuit of these other elite small forwards.

The Cardinals' decision not to pursue Felesi is just another reason why Louisville needs to land Stokes over Kentucky, Oregon, and Kansas. The Cards' top target is nearing his decision, as many are speculating that Stokes will commit by the end of October.

Felesi is a highly recruited player whom Louisville fans had been keeping an eye on and are now disappointed by this update. However, they are all-in on Colben Landrew, who will announce his decision tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. local time. Landrew ranks as a shooting guard and a small forward and ranks as high as No. 17 in the nation.

Related: 2 Dream, 2 reach, 2 realistic targets for Louisville after Taylen Kinney's commitment

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