December 30, 2025

Louisville Football Faces Significant Changes Ahead of 2026 Season

Louisville, Kentucky, December 30, 2025

The Louisville Cardinals football program is making substantial changes in preparation for the upcoming season. Key player departures and strategic additions through the transfer portal are shaping the team’s roster. With head coach Jeff Brohm at the helm, the focus is on rebuilding the squad to compete effectively in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Notable player movements include the departures of wide receivers Kris Hughes and Bobby Golden, alongside new commitments like offensive lineman Charlie Edgeworth and quarterback Briggs Cherry. The program remains active in seeking further talent as it navigates these transitions.

Louisville Football Faces Significant Changes Ahead of 2026 Season

Louisville, Kentucky – The Louisville Cardinals football program is undergoing substantial transformations as it prepares for the 2026 season. Recent developments include key player departures, strategic additions, and active engagement in the transfer portal to strengthen the roster.

Player Departures

Several players have announced their intentions to leave the program:

Wide Receiver Kris Hughes: Entered the transfer portal on December 29, 2025. Hughes recorded 8 receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown in the 2025 season. His departure adds to the challenges in the wide receiver position, which has already seen the exit of Chris Bell to the NFL Draft and other departures.
Wide Receiver Bobby Golden: Plans to enter the transfer portal, as reported on December 30, 2025. Golden joined Louisville from Akron but had limited impact, recording only two punt returns for nine yards and an eight-yard kick return in four games.
Defensive Lineman Tawfiq Thomas: After transferring to Colorado, Thomas has re-entered the transfer portal, seeking a new opportunity.

Player Additions

The program has secured commitments to bolster the roster:

Offensive Lineman Charlie Edgeworth: Signed on December 3, 2025, Edgeworth is expected to contribute significantly to the offensive line.
Quarterback Briggs Cherry: Committed to Louisville, Cherry is anticipated to compete for the starting quarterback position in the upcoming season.

Transfer Portal Activity

The transfer portal is set to open on January 2, 2026, and Louisville is actively monitoring potential additions:

Quarterback DJ Lagway: The Florida quarterback has entered the transfer portal, and Louisville is reportedly in contact with his representatives.
Quarterback Dylan Raiola: The Nebraska quarterback has also entered the transfer portal, with Louisville showing interest.

Program Outlook

Head coach Jeff Brohm is focusing on rebuilding the team by addressing key positions through the transfer portal. The departures, particularly in the wide receiver and defensive line positions, highlight the need for strategic acquisitions to maintain competitiveness in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Key Features of Louisville Football’s 2026 Season Preparations

Feature	Description
Player Departures	Key players, including wide receivers Kris Hughes and Bobby Golden, have entered the transfer portal, impacting the team’s depth and experience.
Player Additions	Commitments from offensive lineman Charlie Edgeworth and quarterback Briggs Cherry aim to strengthen the roster.
Transfer Portal Activity	Active engagement with quarterbacks DJ Lagway and Dylan Raiola, who have entered the transfer portal, to enhance the quarterback position.
Program Outlook	Head coach Jeff Brohm is focusing on rebuilding the team by addressing key positions through the transfer portal to maintain competitiveness in the ACC.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is Kris Hughes, and why is his departure significant?

Kris Hughes is a wide receiver who entered the transfer portal on December 29, 2025. His departure is significant as it adds to the challenges in the wide receiver position, which has already seen the exit of Chris Bell to the NFL Draft and other departures.

What is the transfer portal, and how does it affect college football teams?

The transfer portal is a database that allows college athletes to declare their intent to transfer to another institution. It provides a transparent process for players seeking new opportunities and enables teams to recruit players from other programs to strengthen their rosters.

Who is DJ Lagway, and why is Louisville interested in him?

DJ Lagway is a quarterback from Florida who has entered the transfer portal. Louisville is reportedly in contact with his representatives, indicating interest in adding him to their roster.