Louisville Cardinals Basketball: Roster Moves Ahead of 2025-26 Season
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As Coach Pat Kelsey and the Louisville Cardinals prepare for the 2025-26 campaign, the roster has undergone notable changes. Several departures through graduation and the transfer portal are balanced by key arrivals expected to make an immediate impact.
Departures
The Cardinals saw a handful of players move on this offseason:
- Koren Johnson (G) — Transferred to Ole Miss after one season at Louisville, where he arrived from Washington.
- James Scott (F/C) — The sophomore starter, who averaged 7.1 points and 6.1 rebounds last season, also transferred to Ole Miss.
- Cole Sherman (G) — A local guard who saw limited minutes, he entered the transfer portal after one year with the program.
- Patrick Antonelli (G, Grad Transfer) — Opted to continue his career elsewhere after limited playing time in the ACC.
- Additional losses came from graduation and expiring eligibility, including Chucky Hepburn, Terrence Edwards Jr., Reyne Smith, Noah Waterman, and Frank Anselem-Ibe.
Additions
To replenish the roster, Louisville landed several high-profile transfers and cleared an eligibility boost:
- Isaac McKneely (G, Virginia) — A top shooter who led the ACC in three-point percentage (42.1%), averaging 14.4 points per game.
- Ryan Conwell (G, Xavier) — A proven scorer who averaged 16.5 points per game last season.
- Adrian Wooley (G, Kennesaw State) — A freshman standout who contributed nearly 19 points per game, adding athleticism and offensive depth.
- Aly Khalifa (F/C) — Initially ruled ineligible, Khalifa has since been cleared by the NCAA and is expected to play a key role in the frontcourt rotation.
Looking Ahead
With these moves, Louisville is building a roster defined by:
- Reliable perimeter shooting and scoring (McKneely, Conwell, Wooley)
- Guard depth to offset key departures
- Added size and frontcourt options through Khalifa and returning players
Early projections suggest a lineup featuring Mikel Brown Jr. at point guard, McKneely at shooting guard, Conwell on the wing, and a frontcourt anchored by Khalifa and other contributors.
As the ACC season approaches, much will depend on how quickly these newcomers blend with returnees. The Cardinals have retooled with smart portal additions, but success will hinge on turning that talent into chemistry and consistent play on the floor.
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