Louisville recruiting nightmare deepens as South Carolina snatches 4-star PG

Louisville basketball hasn't had much luck with the 2026 recruiting class, and unfortunately, it isn't getting much better. The Cardinals struck out on Kentucky natives Tyran Stokes and Taylen Kinney, as both recruits are top 10 recruits in the nation and consensus 5-stars. They have also missed out on Colben Landrew and Josh Irving, as these 4-star prospects, for whom the Cards were in the running, were unable to secure their commitments as well.

Well, Louisville tried to turn to another elite point guard, Marcus Johnson, after the 4-star prospect decommitted from Ohio State. However, it was reported yesterday that the guard committed to South Carolina over Louisville and others.

Louisville basketball strikes out on elite 4-star PG

The Cardinals were one of 10 teams to reach out to Johnson after he decommitted from Ohio State, but it appears not much happened after that, as Johnson quickly committed to the Game Cocks. Johnson is an elite recruit in the 2026 recruiting class, ranking as high as No. 28 in the recruiting class and the No. 3 point guard in the class.

The Cardinals have only landed one commitment so far, London Johnson, a former NBA G League player. Kelsey and the company haven't had much luck with the high school prospects, as the fans will now try to see who their next top target is. Immediately, Deron Rippey Jr. is a name that comes to mind as the No. 1 point guard in the 2026 recruiting class. He included Louisville in his final 10 and took a visit last year in 2024, but Syracuse, Duke, and North Carolina State appear to have a dominant lead over the Cards for the 5-star recruit.

Duke and North Carolina each landed massive commitments today as the Blue Devils landed 5-star Cameron Williams and the Tar Heels landed 5-star Maximo Adams. The Cardinals have a bit of pressure to improve this 2026 recruiting class as time is ticking, but it is clear that Louisville must go all-in on the Transfer Portal for a second straight season.

Related: 3 Louisville players who will benefit the most from London Johnson's commitment

For all the latest news and updates on Louisville basketball's 2025-26 season and recruiting, stay tuned.