The Cardinals have updated their 2026 recruit lists as Louisville basketball is trending to be one of the top programs for high school superstars since Pat Kelsey arrived. The Cardinals have made 5-star Taylen Kinney's top 12, 5-star guard Ikenna Alozie's top eight, 5-star guard Deron Rippey Jr.'s top 12, 5-star guard Jaxon Richardson's top 10, and 4-star forward Cole Cloer's top eight.
The Cardinals are in a heated recruiting battle for Cloer, as he continues to rise and become one of the top small forwards in the 2026 cycle. The other seven teams in Cloer's top eight include North Carolina State, Indiana, UConn, Florida, Alabama, Virginia, and North Carolina.
Before Cloer announces his commitment, Jody Demling of 247Sports reported that the 6-foot-7 185 185-pound forward will make an official visit to Louisville on Aug. 30.
Related: Louisville basketball’s crucial 4-star SF update sparks major recruiting battle
Louisville basketball earns official visit from 4-star Cole Cloer
Cloer is a North Carolina native and is currently ranked as the top recruit out of the state. He is regarded as a 4-star prospect and is ranked as high as No. 22 in the nation and the ninth-best small forward in the 2026 cycle.
He has already taken an unofficial visit to Louisville, and the Cardinals will now try to climb the rankings and become a top choice for Cloer. On3 Sports gives North Carolina a dominant 86.2 percent chance of earning his commitment.
Cloer averaged 18.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game in his junior season. Despite cutting his list down to eight, the 4-star prospect is still receiving offers, as recently as Louisville's rival, the Kentucky Wildcats, made an offer to Cloer after his big-time offseason.
The 4-star recruit has also taken unofficial visits to North Carolina twice and Alabama once. He has official visits lined up with Florida in September and Alabama in October.
Related: 3 realistic commitments that would make Louisville’s 2026 class perfect
For all the latest on Louisville basketball's offseason and recruiting, stay tuned.