Jeff Walz has done it again. The Louisville women’s basketball head coach, now entering his 20th season, has masterfully worked the transfer portal to keep the Cardinals in the national spotlight. Coming off a strong 29-8 campaign that ended in a Sweet 16 appearance and an 11th-place finish in the final USA TODAY Coaches Poll, Walz has reloaded rather than rebuilt. By adding three key transfers while retaining the core of last season’s squad, Louisville is shaping up to be one of the most experienced and deepest teams in the last decade.
With seven upperclassmen who have all logged serious minutes, the 2026-27 Cardinals will bring a blend of veteran savvy and fresh talent. The offseason losses of 6-foot-2 Laura Ziegler (who signed with the L.A. Sparks) and 6-3 Anaya Hardy (who transferred to Notre Dame) could have left a gap in the frontcourt, but Walz responded by adding two 6-2 players to hold down the paint. Here’s an updated look at the roster and projected starters:
Zam Jones, Guard (N.C. State): A dynamic scorer who took a major leap this past season, averaging 14.9 points per game while shooting 36.6% from beyond the arc. Jones, ranked as ESPN’s eighth-best transfer portal player, brings two years of eligibility and instant offensive firepower.
Deniya Prawl, Wing (Tennessee): A familiar name for Louisville fans, Prawl was a target of the Cardinals out of high school. Though she saw limited playing time as a freshman with the Volunteers, her 6-2 frame and untapped potential make her a promising project for Walz’s development system.
Carys Baker, Forward (Virginia Tech): Baker is a proven shooter, knocking down 37.9% of her three-point attempts and averaging 14.3 points per game last season. With one year of eligibility left, she’ll provide veteran leadership and a reliable scoring option in the frontcourt.
Jones and Baker, both upperclassmen, are expected to step into starting roles immediately. Their shooting ability and experience will be crucial for a team that prides itself on depth and versatility. Prawl, meanwhile, has time to grow and could become a key rotational piece as the season progresses.
With a blend of returning talent and high-impact newcomers, Louisville is poised to make another deep tournament run. The next six months will be all about chemistry and preparation, but one thing is clear: the Cardinals are built to contend.