Kentucky Transfer DB D.J. Waller Commits to Louisville

Waller is the Cardinals' first portal commitment in the cycle.

Sep 28, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Kentucky Wildcats defensive back DJ Waller Jr. (5) reacts after breaking up a pass attempt during the first half against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The Louisville football program is finally on the board in the current transfer portal cycle, and they've poached a player from their arch rival.

Former Kentucky cornerback D.J. Waller announced Saturday that he has committed to the Cardinals.

Waller is Louisville's first portal commitment of the cycle, and is the first to offset 21 portal defections that UofL has seen so far. The 14-day transfer window officially opened up this past Friday, and is the only opportunity for players to enter following the removal of the spring window.

The 6-foot-3, 203-pound corner was only able to play in two games this season due to a lingering hamstring injury. Suiting up for the season-opener against Toledo and then the season finale at Louisville, both starts, Waller logged just a tackle and a pass breakup - both coming against the Rockets.

The Youngstown, Ohio native began his career at Michigan, playing in 11 games as a true freshman in 2023 when the Wolverines won the national championship. That season, he logged 12 tackles (nine solo) and a pass breakup.

After Jim Harbaugh left for the NFL, Waller transferred to Kentucky ahead of the 2024 season. While more injuries limited him to only seven games and four starts that year, he still was able to collect 13 tackles (seven solo) and two pass breakups.

In their third season under head coach Jeff Brohm, Louisville went 9-4 overall, including a 4-4 mark in ACC play and a 27-22 win over Toledo in the Boca Raton Bowl. The Cardinals have won at least nine games in all three seasons under Brohm, doing so for the first time since 2012-14.

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