On300 LB Karsten Busch commits to Louisville

Louisville St. Xavier four-star linebacker Karsten Busch has committed to Louisville, he announced on Friday.

He chose the Cardinals while also holding offers from the likes of Kentucky, Cincinnati, Michigan State, Wisconsin and others.

Busch is the No. 467 overall prospect and No. 35 LB in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 3 player in Kentucky.

On3 ranks the 6-foot-2, 220-pounder higher than other recruiting services. He checks in as the No. 282 recruit, No. 21 LB and No. 3 player in the Bluegrass, per the 2026 On300.

Busch becomes pledge No. 7 and the highest-rated recruit in the mix for head coach Jeff Brohm and Co. in the 2026 cycle.

More on Louisville Recruiting

With Busch now in the fold, the Cards have three in-state commits, as he joins Crestwood South Oldham three-star defensive lineman Sam Dawson and Fort Thomas Highlands three-star interior offensive lineman Max Merz.

Knoxville (Tenn.) Baylor School three-star quarterback Briggs Cherry was big win for Louisville at the end of January. He’s currently On3’s No. 32 signal-caller in the cycle.

“The Ville just felt like home to me and my family and they run the offense that best fits my scheme,” Cherry told On3.

Other commits in the class include: Galloway (Ohio) Westland three-star athlete Emoni Smith, Aurora (Ind.) South Dearborn three-star linebacker Brady Ballart and Chiefland (Fla.) EDGE Jon Adams.

The Cards are looking to top their 2025 class, which ranked No. 67 in the nation. Thus far in 2026, their haul is pushing for top-30 status in the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.