What Louisville football roster looks like for Jeff Brohm after transfer portal closed
The transfer portal closed April 30, and Louisville football's spring transfers are all defensive players.
After the spring game, the Cardinals used this portal cycle to replenish their defensive line. Three of the four incoming players are linemen. Former California linebacker Myles Jernigan is the other transfer.
The four players represent the smallest portal group head coach Jeff Brohm has signed over the last four portal cycles. Ten players left the Cardinals in the latest cycle.
It’s also the first time an offensive lineman hasn’t been in the mix. Although the portal is closed, some players might be announced after their paperwork is finalized.
Former San Diego State tight end Mark Redman and nine incoming freshmen will join the team this summer.
Here is a current position-by-position look at Louisville’s football team:
Offense
Quarterbacks
Projected starter: Tyler Shough
Also listed on roster: Pierce Clarkson, Travis Egan, Sam Young, Brady Allen, Sam Vaulton, Harrison Bailey
Spring portal additions: None
As long as Brohm is the head coach, Louisville never will be short of quarterbacks. The Cardinals have seven on the team, and Deuce Adams will join in the summer. Although Shough is the clear-cut starter, there’s been competition for the backup spot among Clarkson, Allen and Bailey. During the spring game, Clarkson was the first QB to take the field after Shough.
Running backs
Projected starter: Maurice Turner
Also listed on roster: Don Chaney, Keyjuan Brown, Isaac Brown
Spring portal additions: None
U of L’s running back room took a hit with the abrupt departure of Peny Boone, who spent only three months with the program. The group, which will welcome freshman Duke Watson this summer, isn’t the deepest and lost a physical back when Boone left. Chaney, however, still offers that size and physicality. Turner and the Browns have speed and elusiveness. After playing behind Tiyon Evans, Jawhar Jordan and Isaac Guerendo the last two years, Turner is the most experienced returning Cardinal and is expected to be a leader.
Wide receivers
Projected starters: Caullin Lacy, Ja’Corey Brooks, Chris Bell
Also listed on roster: Antonio Meeks, Jadon Thompson, Jimmy Calloway, Jaedon King, Kris Hughes, Jojo Stone, Cataurus Hicks, Jahlil McClain
Spring portal additions: None
Through Thursday, Louisville hadn't brought in any receivers to help with depth. Because of injuries, the Cardinals cross-trained QBs at the position in the spring. Their numbers are not overflowing, but they’re not short of talented pass catchers. Bell was the top receiver during the spring game, and Lacy showed his ability as a deep target. Brooks was banged up in the spring but is expected to be a key contributor. Meeks offers versatility, which gives U of L an opportunity to play multiple players at various positions. Louisville will get another receiver when North Hardin’s Shaun Boykins joins the group this summer.
Tight ends
Projected starter: Nate Kurisky
Also listed on roster: Jamari Johnson, Izayah Cummings, Duane Martin, Jaleel Skinner
Spring portal additions: None
Dylan Mesman’s summer arrival will round out the tight ends, who can help the offense this fall in the passing game and with pass blocking. Johnson, Kurisky and Martin are more comfortable playing in Brohm’s system. Besides playing at a high level, Cummings and Skinner offer leadership and experience.
Offensive line
Projected starters: Pete Nygra, Renato Brown, Michael Gonzalez, Monroe Mills, Jonathan Mendoza
Also listed on roster: Austin Collins, Lance Robinson, Victor Cutler, Rasheed Miller, Mike Powell, Trevonte Sylvester, Madden Sanker, Ransom McDermott, Joe Crocker, Makhete Gueye
Spring portal additions: None
Time was on Shough’s side during the spring game because U of L’s offensive line provided a clean pocket. Louisville added size and experience from the portal after the 2023 season, and it’s paid off. It’ll be a mostly new front five because the Cardinals had to replace three starters. Louisville will benefit from the returns of Gonzalez and Brown, who is recovering from a season-ending knee injury. Incoming three-star signees Fred Johnson and Jimmy Williams are young-but-welcome additions.
Defense
Defensive line
Projected starters: Ashton Gillotte, Dez Tell, Thor Griffith, Mason Reiger
Also listed on roster: Ramon Puryear, Selah Brown, Saadiq Clements, William Spencer, Micah Carter, Jared Dawson, Jordan Guerad, R.J. Sorensen, Maurice Davis, Adonijah Green
Spring portal additions: Tramel Logan (South Florida), Richard Kinley (Middle Tennessee State), Rene Konga (Rutgers)
There shouldn’t be any falloff this season on Louisville’s dominant defensive line. Not only does U of L return playmakers including Gillotte and Reiger, but it added three key pieces from the portal and will add freshman Xavier Porter this summer. It’s especially important because the defensive line was hit the hardest with departures. Nine linemen left during the last five months.
Linebackers
Projected starters: TJ Quinn, Stanquan Clark
Also listed on roster: Antonio Watts, Jurriente Davis, Trent Carter, Jake Scianna, Jaxon Panariello, M.J. Campbell
Spring portal addition: Myles Jernigan (California)
Despite losing Jaylin Alderman, the Cardinals have a solid group returning. Quinn, Clark and Watts offer the group continuity to keep the defense strong. New pieces including Davis and Jernigan should keep the rotations fresh throughout the season. The Cardinals also have a budding talent in Carter, a midyear enrollee who showed great potential during the spring.
Defensive backs
Projected starters: Quincy Riley, Corey Thornton, MJ Griffin, Devin Neal, Ben Perry
Also listed on roster: Aaron Williams, Tamarion McDonald, Tayon Holloway, D’Angelo Hutchinson, Tahveon Nicholson, Daeh McCullough, Blake Ruffin, Jaden Minkins, Destin Cheirs, Jeremy Hamilton, Jaiden Spearman, Dakadrien Saunders
Spring portal additions: None
With Raemon Mosby set to join the unit this summer, the cornerbacks are poised to be one of the team’s strongest positions and provided a sneak peek during the spring. Riley’s return made a difference, especially with the loss of Jarvis Brownlee, who went to the Tennessee Titans in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Players including Thornton, one of the front-runners to replace Brownlee as a starter, and Nicholson were key pickups from the portal and got quality reps during the spring. The Cardinals don’t have as much depth at safety, but a healthy Griffin and Neal’s return strengthen the pass defense. The safeties will add Jathan Hatch during the summer.
Reach Louisville football, women's basketball and baseball beat writer Alexis Cubit at acubit@gannett.com and follow her on X at @Alexis_Cubit.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville football roster takes shape after transfer portal closes
