Louisville basketball fans finally land their first 2026 commitment, according to Jeff Goodman. Pat Kelsey and his Louisville Cardinals were able to land their much-needed first commitment from the 2026 class after striking out on key recruits like Taylen Kinney and Colben Landrew.
London Johnson commited to the Louisville Cardinals from the NBA G-League. Johsnon will be one of the first G-League players to commit to a college program after playing professionally. This all became eligible after the NCAA ruled Thierry Darlan eligbile to play with Santa Clara.
Now, Louisville looks to hop on this trend as they just landed an elite point guard out of Georgia who will now also bring professional experience.
Louisille basketball lands its first 2026 commitment
Thanks to the NCAA allowing G-League players to commit to college, the Cards take full advantage as they earn Johnson's commitment Monday afternoon. The 6-foot-3, 181-pound guard will sit out this upcoming season, but will arrive mid-year according to Goodman's report.
Goodman reports that Johnson's first season of eligibility is next year for the 2026-27 season.
G-League Ignite point guard London Johnson has committed to Louisville in the 2026 class, source told @thefieldof68. Johnson, 21, spent last year in the G League with the Maine Red Claws and Cleveland Charge. Likely will have two years left to play.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) October 20, 2025
Johnson, who played his high…
Johnson is 21 years old and has played three seasons in the NBA G-League. Before the G-League he played in high school where he was ranked as the No. 46 recruit in the 2026 class, the No. 8 combo guard and the No. 1 player out of Georgia.
He received over 17 offers including from big-time programs like Alabama, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Xavier, and others but decided to bypass college and go the professional route. Well, after the NCAA decided to allowed G-league players to commit to college with eligibility remaining Louisville quickly hopped on this trend and landed an elite point guard.
In the NBA G-League he recently played for the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers G-League teams, where he started in 21 games and averaged 3.1 points, 1.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game.
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.