Former North Carolina EDGE Tyler Thompson commits to Louisville

According to On3’s Hayes Fawcett, former North Carolina EDGE Tyler Thompson has committed to Louisville out of the NCAA transfer portal. Thompson was one of the more productive players in the ACC last season in Chapel Hill. He plans to put himself on the same track again in 2026, just wearing different colors.

“BREAKING: North Carolina transfer EDGE Tyler Thompson has Committed to Louisville, his agent tells @On3Sports,” Fawcett said via X. “The 6’4 245 EDGE totaled 26 tackles, 7 sacks, 8 TFL, & 2 FF in 2025. Earned an 85.0 PFF Grade (highest on team) & was 4th in the ACC in sacks.”

All seven of those sacks for Thompson came in a four-game stretch in the middle of ACC play. Stanford saw Thompson in the backfield on three occasions, closely followed by two against Cal. Both Syracuse and Virginia gave up one to the former North Carolina product.

“Really just effort and violence, bro,” Thompson said when asked about his effort. “Like, if you really want it, you’ll get it.”

Adding eight tackles for a loss and forcing two fumbles is just the cherry on top. Thompson might be looking for a more consistent output throughout a 12-game basis. However, it’s going to be another headache for ACC coaches when facing the Louisville front. Getting somebody out of the portal like Thompson truly can change a season’s outlook.

Thompson will make his Louisville debut in quite a big setting. Sept. 5 bring the 2026 opener, going up against Ole Miss. The Rebels are not too far away from playing in the Fiesta Bowl on Thursday night, a College Football Playoff semifinal. There is a world where Louisville is playing against the reigning national champions.

Jeff Brohm will have aspirations of getting into that position himself. After winning 10 games in 2023, it’s been back-to-back years of nine wins for the Cardinals under Brohm. At some point, they are hoping the breakthrough takes place.

Getting there through the transfer portal appears to be the right track, based on who is still alive in the CFP. More additions are surely on the way for Louisville to improve the roster. Thompson just might turn out to be one of the better ones.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.