September 13, 2025
Louisville Cardinals news
The recruiting battle between the Louisville Cardinals and Kentucky Wildcats is heating up, and all eyes are on five-star guard Taylen Kinney. With a decision date set for September 28, 2025, insiders say the momentum is swinging strongly toward Louisville.
Kinney, ranked among the top guards in the 2026 class, has been courted heavily by both programs. Kentucky head coach John Calipari’s legacy of producing NBA-ready guards has long made the Wildcats a dream destination for recruits. But Kinney’s camp has hinted that the opportunity to be an immediate difference-maker at Louisville holds greater appeal.
Why Louisville Has the Edge
- Opportunity for Early Playing Time – Louisville’s current roster projects openings in the backcourt by 2026, giving Kinney a chance to step in as a starter from day one. Kentucky, meanwhile, has a logjam of highly rated guards, which could limit his role early.
- Relationship With the Coaching Staff – Kinney has developed a strong bond with Louisville head coach Pat Kelsey and his staff, who have been recruiting him relentlessly since his sophomore season. Sources say that level of commitment has resonated with the young star.
- Program Vision – Louisville has pitched Kinney on being the face of their 2026 recruiting class, something that’s harder to guarantee in Kentucky’s one-and-done, NBA-focused system.
Kinney’s Own Words
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Kentucky and what they’ve done,” Kinney said during a recent sit-down. “But at the end of the day, it’s about finding the right fit. I want to go somewhere I can grow, compete, and be trusted with the ball in my hands. Louisville has shown me that.”
What’s at Stake
For Louisville, landing Kinney would mark a statement win in recruiting — not just adding a five-star guard, but beating out their biggest rival to do it. For Kentucky, missing out on an in-state star to the Cardinals would sting, especially with their track record of dominating recruiting battles in recent years.
Fans on both sides have already taken to social media, with Louisville supporters celebrating the signs of a commitment and Kentucky faithful warning that Calipari shouldn’t be counted out until Kinney makes it official.
As the countdown to September 28 continues, one thing is certain: Taylen Kinney’s decision could shift the balance of power in one of college basketball’s fiercest rivalries.
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