Louisville basketball is in full recruiting mode right now, as Pat Kelsey and the Cardinals staff are traveling all over the country to visit elite players in the 2026 cycle. The Cardinals are trending with a lot of 5-star recruits in the elite cycle and are now favorites to land multiple of these recruits.
With Louisville trending in the right direction for many 5-stars, we broke their top six targets into three categories. So, here are two dream, two reach, two realistic 2026 5-star targets Louisville basketball could land.
Full story: 2 Dream, 2 reach, 2 realistic 2026 5-star targets Louisville basketball could land
Louisville basketball's most anticipated game doesn't change after Arakansas reveal
A couple of weeks ago, the Cardinals fans found out that Louisville will face Coach John Calipari and the Arkansas Razorbacks in the ACC/SEC Challenge. This is expected to be one of the biggest games on Louisville basketball's schedule, but the game that is circled on every fan calendar is their matchup with the Kentucky Wildcats.
Not only is this a blockbuster showdown because it is one of the best rivalries in all of sports, but each team is expected to be one of the top programs in the nation. This thrilling showdown will feature multiple 5-star players and many future NBA All-Stars. Louisville vs. Kentucky is expected to be one of the best matchups of the year and a potential preview of the Final Four.
Full story: Louisville basketball's most important game isn't against Arkansas or Tennessee
Louisville football lands crucial visit before 4-stars commitment
Louisville football will host another big-time recruiting weekend, welcoming multiple recruits to campus for official visits. The 4-star recruit out of Iowa, Jayden McDaniels, emerges as one of the top targets not just for this weekend but for the entire 2026 class.
McDaniels will make his first official to Louisville this weekend. The Cardinals recently learned that they are in his top four programs, putting Louisville in an excellent position to earn his commitment. McGregory is ranked as No. 396 in the nation and the 26th-best prospect in the ATH skilled position.
Full story: Louisville football set to make final pitch to key 4-star in crucial weekend visit
Jaire Alexander teams up with Lamar Jackson
Former Louisville football star cornerback Jaire Alexander officially joins MVP and Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson. These two former Cardinals played together for three seasons and emerged as two of the best players in recent memory.
Jackson made a massive pitch to the Baltimore Ravens front office, telling them to "go get him(Alexander)." These two former Cardinals were teammates from 2015 to 2017, and both were able to have successful careers. Alexander was released by the Green Bay Packers after his devastating injury this season. The two former Cardinals have their eyes set on the Super Bowl, and both players emerge as two of the best players in that locker room.
Full story: Lamar Jackson pulled strings to bring former Louisville football star to Baltimore
Jaire Alexander's father rips the Green Bay Packers organization on the way out
Alexander's dad also appeared on the local ESPN radio show and criticized the Packers thoroughly. The cornerback's father claimed that the Packers mishandled the injury, causing him to miss the end of the 2024-25 season.
"If the Packers had taken the injury serious when it happened he would have been available down the final stretch of the season." Alexander's father stated on the radio show.
Full story: Former Louisville football star’s exit turns ugly as father unloads on the Packers