Josiah Hope, 2026 Defensive Lineman from North Hardin, Commits to Louisville
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Another standout player from Kentucky’s Class of 2026 has chosen to join the Louisville football program.
Josiah Hope, a defensive lineman from North Hardin High School in Radcliff, announced on Sunday that he has verbally committed to the Cardinals. Hope selected Louisville over offers from Arkansas, Auburn, Kentucky, LSU, Wisconsin, and several other schools.
Hope first received an offer from Louisville in March 2024 and has visited the campus multiple times since. Most recently, he was one of nine 2026 prospects to take official visits to Louisville this past weekend.
Hope is the second commitment from this group of visitors, following tight end Nick Lautar from Lebanon (Ohio) High School, who also committed to the Cardinals earlier in the day.
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 300 pounds, Hope is ranked as high as No. 274 in the Class of 2026 and No. 2 in Kentucky, trailing only Owensboro’s running back and Louisville commit, Evan Hampton. On 247Sports’ composite rankings, Hope is ranked as the No. 580 player nationally.
During his junior season, Hope was dominant on defense for North Hardin, totaling 61 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and two forced fumbles. He helped lead the Trojans to an 8-5 record and a second-round appearance in the KHSAA Class 6A playoffs.
With Hope’s commitment, Louisville’s 2026 recruiting class now stands at 16 players, ranking No. 17 in the nation, according to 247Sports. The Cardinals have secured commitments from four of the top five prospects in Kentucky, as well as seven of the top 13.
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