Louisville DB transfer Josh Minkins Jr. commits to Cincinnati

Louisville defensive back transfer Josh Minkins Jr. has committed to play for Cincinnati, he announced via X on Tuesday. Minkins will not be traveling too far for the next chapter of his college basketball career, winding up on the other side of the Keg of Nails rivalry.

This is the second portal commitment Minkins has made this cycle. He previously gave a pledge to West Virginia but backed out of it on Jan. 12. Turns out, the defensive back will still be playing in the Big 12 this season but will be in different colors.

Minkins spent the last four seasons at Louisville, playing in 39 career games. He wound up recording 99 tackles, three pass deflections, two interceptions, a forced fumble, and a sack. His 2022 season was his most productive, having 55 tackles and 2.0 tackles for a loss.

A nice win for Scott Satterfield on multiple different fronts. Taking a nice player away from a conference foe while originally coming from one of Cincinnati’s biggest rivals. Something the Bearcats fans will enjoy over the upcoming months.

Cincinnati does have West Virginia on the 2024 schedule, potentially setting up for something fun. You just know Minkins will be ready to roll against the Mountaineers, hoping to prove he made the right decision.

Minkins played high school football at Louisville (KY) Ballard, where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 1,060 overall recruit in the 2020 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Rankings, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Josh Minkins is latest NCAA transfer portal addition for Cincinnati

Once the move for Minkins becomes official, he will be the 14th transfer Cincinnati has taken this offseason. Satterfield had a tough time in the program’s first-ever year in the Big 12, finishing 3-9 overall and with just one conference win. Overhauling the roster was a must.

Minkins will be the fourth defensive back the Bearcats are bringing into the program. Cincinnati was actually one of the best pass defenses in the Big 12 last season, finishing four in average yards allowed per game.

However, reloading is a must in today’s day and age, and the NCAA transfer portal is the best way to do so. Adding somebody like Minkins is a great way to make sure your roster is ready to compete at the highest level. Hopefully, it all pays off this upcoming fall.