Louisville DB Quincy Riley to return for 2024 season

Quincy Riley is not moving on from Louisville or college football just yet.

The Cardinals defensive back has announced his plans to return for a finals season, putting plans to enter the NFL draft on pause. A former Middle Tennessee transfer, he was named All-ACC honorable mention this season after posting 49 tackles, three interceptions and 10 pass breakups.

The move comes as a surprise to some, as the defensive back already accepted an invitation to the Reese’s Senior Bowl. The only member of Louisville’s secondary to start every game this season, Riley was targeted 64 times in coverage and allowed just 24 receptions. Receivers scored just one touchdown on the season against the defensive back and totaled 54 yards after catch.

Louisville bolstering secondary

Riley’s return is the exclamation point on an active offseason for Louisville. In Jeff Brohm’s first full offseason, he’s added plenty of depth to the secondary to pair with Riley. Tennessee’s Tamarion McDonald and Wesley Walker have both transferred in, along with Daeh McCullough (Oklahoma), Tayon Holloway (North Carolina), Jalen Kimber (Florida), Blake Ruffin (Eastern Illinois) and Corey Thornton (UCF).

The Cardinals ranked No. 57 this past season in passing yards allowed, surrendering 217.3 yards per game in the air to opponents. Riley’s return is the first step towards improving in the category. Louisville closed out the year 10-4, with a loss in the ACC title game and the Holiday Bowl.

Louisville has continued to piece together one of the top portal classes this offseason, currently ranked No. 2 in On3’s Team Transfer Portal Index with 22 transfer commitments. The portal class is highlighted by Texas Tech transfer quarterback Tyler Shough, who will be the expected starter entering spring practice.

Quincy Riley and the Cardinals open the season with back-to-back home games against Austin Peay and Jacksonville State before visiting Notre Dame on Sept. 28.