Star in-state tailback Evan Hampton commits to Louisville

Kentucky is still looking for their first commitment in the 2026 high school cycle. Things are quietly currently on the trail for the Wildcats. The same cannot be said down I-64. Jeff Brohm‘s program has a ton of momentum after a 9-4 season that included wins over Clemson and Kentucky.

The Cardinals picked up their 11th commit in the class on Monday. Brohm’s program has now logged five in-state recruiting wins. Owensboro (Ky.) High tailback Evan Hampton is the No. 1 player in the state. The four-star prospect ended his recruitment with a commitment to Louisville.

Staying home, go cards ❤️ pic.twitter.com/uwQRsBqL61

— Evan Hampton (@Evanhampton34) March 17, 2025

Evan Hampton is the No. 353 overall prospect in the 2026 On3 Industry Ranking. Michigan, Vanderbilt, and NC State were also involved in this recruitment. The Cards have logged a rare recruiting win in the 270 area code.

“The coaches were key, I had some great relationships built,” Hampton told On3’s Steve Wiltfong. “I love what Coach Brohm has going and I want to be a part of it.”

“Just felt like the right decision for me.”

Louisville now has in-state commitments from Hampton, Louisville (Ky.) St. Xavier linebacker Karsten Busch, Louisville (Ky.) St. Xavier wide receiver Marlon Harbin, Crestwood (Ky.) South Oldham defensive lineman Sam Dawson, and Ft. Thomas (Ky.) Highlands offensive lineman Max Merz. Kentucky remains a major contender for Paducah (Ky.) Tilghman offensive lineman Jarvis Strickland but it’s clear that out of state recruiting will need to have a larger number than normal for the Cats in the 2026 cycle.

Kentucky official visit list

June 6-8

Marion (Mass.) Tabor Academy defensive lineman Marcus Almada (Unranked)

Camden (N.J.) Eastside EDGE Elijah Satchell (Unranked)

Richmond (Va.) Hermitage safety Andre Clarke (4-star, No. 172 overall)

Fort Pierce (Fla.) Westwood cornerback Jordan Crutchfield (4-star, No. 320 overall)

June 13-15

Evergreen (Ala.) Hillcrest defensive back J.T. Barlow (Unranked)

Rome (Ga.) High wide receiver Darnell Collins (Unranked)

Orlando (Fla.) Edgewater linebacker Justin Edwards (Unranked)

Orlando (Fla.) Jones wide receiver Larry Miles (3-star, No. 420 overall)

June 15-17

Venice (Fla.) EDGE Asharri Charles (4-star, No. 189 overall)

June 20-22

Louisville (Ky.) St. Xavier linebacker Karsten Busch (3-star, No. 572 overall)

Manchester (Ga.) High cornerback Jaedyn Terry (3-star, No. 652 overall)