January 4, 2026

Louisville Cardinals Football Roster Changes Amid Transfer Portal

Louisville, Kentucky, January 4, 2026

The Louisville Cardinals football team is experiencing significant roster changes as they navigate the NCAA transfer portal. Key players, including running back Isaac Brown and safety Corey Gordon Jr., are set to leave, while the return of linebacker Antonio Watts aids the team’s defense. Louisville has also bolstered its roster with new commitments from quarterback Lincoln Kienholz, cornerback D.J. Waller Jr., and offensive lineman Mahamane Moussa, aiming to enhance their performance for the upcoming season.

Louisville Football Roster Changes: Navigating the Transfer Portal

Louisville, Kentucky – The Louisville Cardinals football team is undergoing substantial roster changes as the NCAA transfer portal opens for the 2026 season. Key departures and strategic additions are reshaping the team’s lineup.

Key Departures

Isaac Brown, the team’s star running back, has announced his intention to enter the transfer portal. This decision follows a season where Brown led the team in rushing yards and touchdowns, making his departure a significant loss for the offense.

Corey Gordon Jr., a starting safety, has also declared his intent to transfer. In his single season at Louisville, Gordon recorded 53 combined tackles and three tackles for loss, contributing significantly to the secondary.

Antonio Watts, a standout linebacker, initially planned to enter the transfer portal but has since reversed his decision and will return for the 2026 season. Watts has been a key defensive player, recording 123 combined tackles, 19 tackles for loss, three sacks, three interceptions, and four forced fumbles over four seasons at Louisville.

Strategic Additions

In response to these departures, Louisville has secured commitments from several players to strengthen the roster:

Lincoln Kienholz, a quarterback from Ohio State, has committed to Louisville. Kienholz brings experience from the Buckeyes, where he competed for the starting quarterback position and appeared in multiple games over three seasons.
D.J. Waller Jr., a cornerback from Kentucky, has transferred to Louisville. Waller spent two seasons with the Wildcats and is expected to bolster the Cardinals’ secondary.
Mahamane Moussa, an offensive lineman from Purdue, has joined the team. Moussa started all 12 games at left tackle for the Boilermakers in the 2025 season, providing valuable experience to the offensive line.

Background Context

The NCAA transfer portal allows players to transfer between programs, leading to significant roster changes each season. Louisville’s coaching staff, led by head coach Jeff Brohm, is actively navigating these changes to build a competitive team for the upcoming season. The team finished the 2025 season with a 9-4 record, including a 4-4 mark in ACC play, and secured a victory in the Boca Raton Bowl. The coaching staff is focused on addressing key departures and integrating new talent to maintain and enhance the team’s performance in the 2026 season.

Key Features of Louisville’s Recent Roster Changes

Feature	Description
Departures	Key players leaving the team, including running back Isaac Brown, safety Corey Gordon Jr., and linebacker Antonio Watts.
Strategic Additions	New commitments from quarterback Lincoln Kienholz, cornerback D.J. Waller Jr., and offensive lineman Mahamane Moussa to bolster the roster.
Coaching Strategy	Head coach Jeff Brohm’s approach to navigating the transfer portal to maintain team competitiveness.
Season Performance	Louisville’s 9-4 record in the 2025 season, including a 4-4 mark in ACC play and a victory in the Boca Raton Bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is Isaac Brown, and why is his departure significant?

Isaac Brown is the Louisville Cardinals’ star running back, leading the team in rushing yards and touchdowns. His departure is significant due to his pivotal role in the offense.

What is the NCAA transfer portal?

The NCAA transfer portal is a system that allows college athletes to declare their intent to transfer to another program, facilitating player movement between schools.

How is Louisville addressing the departures of key players?

Louisville is actively recruiting through the transfer portal, securing commitments from players like quarterback Lincoln Kienholz, cornerback D.J. Waller Jr., and offensive lineman Mahamane Moussa to strengthen the roster.

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