4-star EDGE C.J. May commits to Louisville, Jeff Brohm: ‘He has the program going in an amazing direction’

Highland Home (Ala.) four-star EDGE C.J. May originally committed to Notre Dame on Sept. 23. He eventually backed off his pledge to the Fighting Irish on Feb. 4 and had multiple schools quickly reach out to him. 

One of them was Louisville, who was a consistent presence throughout his recruitment. The 6-foot-3.5, 220-pound pass rusher visited the Cardinals multiple times and felt good around the program and coaching staff, which led him to join Louisville’s 2025 recruiting class. 

“It’s a great spot for me,” May told On3. “It’s not too far for my family to travel to. The depth chart is set up perfectly for me when I come in and all I have to do is execute the plans they have for me. I feel like I can compete early for a starting role there. They have a lot of resources outside of football, which is one thing I really love about the school. I feel like I fit in really well with the program.” 

May, who chose the Cardinals over Syracuse, enjoyed his visit to Louisville for spring practice and continued to build his relationship with head coach Jeff Brohm and his staff. He then returned to the ACC program for his official visit from May 31-June 2 and “had a great time.” 

May is excited to play for Brohm

The No. 16 player in Alabama – who felt like his relationship with Louisville’s staff was different from his bonds with coaches at other schools – grew close with multiple Cardinals staffers, including Brohm and co-defensive coordinator/defensive line coach Mark Hagen. Brohm and Hagen were in contact with him every day or every other day. 

May has sensed for a while that Louisville was his top school, but decided to make it official this weekend. He feels at “home” with the Cardinals and is ready to help the program build off its ACC Championship appearance last season. The talented defender is also excited to play for Brohm.

“He has the program going in an amazing direction,” said May, the No. 303 overall prospect and No. 29 EDGE in the 2025 On3 Industry Ranking. “He’s proven that he can help Louisville win. Coach Brohm is a really honest, upfront guy and I respect that about him. That was one of the things I was looking for… Coach Brohm will call you and support you. He will laugh with you, but he’s also going to be serious with you.”