Louisville landed commitments from a pair of Kentucky targets this weekend

Kentucky is still looking for its first commitment in the 2026 high school cycle. Coming off a 4-8 campaign, we are seeing the Wildcats get off to a slow recruiting start. However, this program has overcome slow starts in recent cycles. But the program saw two targets come off the board this weekend.

Both are headed to Louisville.

Louisville (Ky.) St. Xavier linebacker Karsten Busch made a surprise announcement on Friday when he committed to the Cardinals. The high three-star prospect had official visits scheduled with Kentucky, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Those trips are up in the air now. Fort Myers (Fla.) High offensive lineman Joel Ervin committed to Louisville on Saturday night. The three-star prospect had one official visit scheduled with Florida. Miami and Kentucky were also involved in this recruitment.

Tough decision considering so many good schools but THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVIILLE is where I will be continuing my academic and athletic career. Thanks to God, Family, and Friends for the continued support‼️‼️ #FlyVille26 @MarkIvey90 @JeffBrohm @TMossbrucker @pete_nochta13 pic.twitter.com/peqfaE7pXW

— Karsten Busch (@k_busch15) March 7, 2025

1000% COMMITED 🔴🔴🔴 #CARDNATION pic.twitter.com/kl8wdiemjC

— Joel Ervin (@joelervin239) March 9, 2025

Louisville’s high school recruiting had been a weakness under in the Jeff Brohm era but that could be changing now. It certainly seems that the ACC program is investing more resources in high school recruiting, and that has led to nine commitments in the 2026 cycle. The Cards have just two top-500 prospects in the fold, but this is a program that has some momentum on the trail. That probably should’ve been expected after the 19-8 start under Brohm.

Kentucky will now move to other options at linebacker and offensive line with Karsten Busch and Joel Ervin off the board. Spring practice will give the Wildcats an opportunity to get prospects on campus for unofficial visits. The official visit season is right around the corner.

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