4-star EDGE C.J. May commits to Louisville Cardinals football over Tennessee Vols and Texas Longhorns.

In a major recruiting win for the Louisville Cardinals, 4-star EDGE rusher C.J. May has officially announced his commitment to the program, choosing Louisville over powerhouse programs like the Tennessee Volunteers and Texas Longhorns. The news has sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world, as May’s decision further solidifies Louisville’s status as a rising force in the ACC.

May, a highly sought-after defensive prospect, has been one of the most coveted recruits in his class. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing in at 235 pounds, he possesses the size, speed, and skill set that make him a nightmare for opposing offenses. His explosive first step, relentless motor, and ability to shed blocks have made him a standout at the high school level, earning him attention from some of the biggest programs in the country. However, after careful consideration, May has decided that Louisville is the best place for him to continue his football career.

The decision did not come easily for May, as Tennessee and Texas were both heavily in the mix for his commitment. The Volunteers, led by head coach Josh Heupel, made a strong push to land the talented EDGE rusher. Tennessee’s defensive system, which has consistently produced top-tier pass rushers, was an attractive option for May. Additionally, the allure of playing in the SEC, widely regarded as the most competitive conference in college football, made Tennessee a strong contender.

Similarly, Texas made a compelling case for May to join their program. Head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff emphasized the Longhorns’ recent defensive improvements and their vision for how May would fit into their system. With Texas set to join the SEC, the program has been aggressively recruiting elite defensive talent to prepare for the heightened level of competition. The Longhorns’ reputation and rich football tradition made them a formidable contender in May’s recruitment.

Despite the appeal of Tennessee and Texas, Louisville ultimately won out in the end. The Cardinals have been building something special under head coach Jeff Brohm, and May’s commitment is a testament to the program’s momentum. Louisville’s coaching staff, particularly defensive coordinator Ron English, played a crucial role in securing May’s pledge. They outlined a clear development plan for him, showcasing how he would be utilized in their defensive scheme and how they could help him reach his full potential.

One of the key factors in May’s decision was the opportunity for early playing time. At Louisville, he will have a legitimate chance to make an immediate impact as a freshman. While Tennessee and Texas are stacked with talent at the EDGE position, Louisville presents a pathway for May to see the field early and often, allowing him to showcase his abilities on a big stage.

Another significant aspect of May’s commitment was the relationships he built with the Louisville coaching staff and current players. Recruiting is about more than just football—it’s about finding the right fit, both on and off the field. May expressed confidence in the culture that Brohm is creating at Louisville and felt a strong connection with the coaching staff. That bond ultimately played a pivotal role in his decision to commit to the Cardinals.

May’s commitment is a massive win for Louisville’s 2025 recruiting class. Adding a player of his caliber sends a strong message to other top recruits that Louisville is a program on the rise. Over the past few seasons, the Cardinals have steadily improved under Brohm’s leadership, and landing a blue-chip prospect like May only strengthens their trajectory.

The impact of May’s commitment extends beyond just the football field. Having a high-profile recruit choose Louisville over two SEC programs enhances the school’s reputation on the national stage. It signals to future recruits that Louisville is a serious contender in the recruiting landscape and that elite players can thrive in the Cardinals’ system. May’s decision could serve as a catalyst for other top prospects to consider Louisville as a viable destination.

As May prepares for the next chapter of his football career, Louisville fans have plenty of reasons to be excited. His combination of athleticism, technique, and football IQ make him a perfect fit for the Cardinals’ defensive scheme. Whether he is rushing the passer, setting the edge against the run, or dropping into coverage, May has the versatility to be a game-changer at the college level.

With his commitment secured, May will now shift his focus to finishing his high school career strong and preparing for the transition to college football. The jump from high school to the collegiate level is never easy, but May has all the tools necessary to make an immediate impact. His work ethic, dedication, and natural talent should allow him to develop quickly under Louisville’s coaching staff.

Looking ahead, Louisville fans will be eager to see how May’s presence transforms the Cardinals’ defense. In an era where elite pass rushers are invaluable, landing a player of his caliber could be the difference-maker in tight games. If he continues to develop and refine his skills, May has the potential to become one of the top defenders in the ACC and, ultimately, a future NFL prospect.

While recruiting battles are never easy, Louisville’s success in landing May proves that the program is headed in the right direction. Competing with SEC powerhouses like Tennessee and Texas for top-tier talent is no small feat, but the Cardinals have shown that they can go toe-to-toe with the best. With more recruiting wins like this, Louisville could position itself as a perennial contender in college football.

As the dust settles on May’s commitment, the focus now shifts to what’s next for Louisville’s recruiting efforts. With momentum on their side, the Cardinals will look to build on this success and continue adding elite talent to their roster. If May’s decision is any indication, Louisville is quickly becoming a destination for top defensive prospects.

For now, Louisville fans can celebrate the addition of a game-changing EDGE rusher who has the potential to be a cornerstone of their defense for years to come. May’s commitment is a statement—one that declares Louisville is ready to compete with the best and build a program capable of sustained success. Only time will tell how his career unfolds, but one thing is certain: C.J. May’s journey at Louisville is just beginning, and the Cardinals couldn’t be more thrilled to have him on board.