Louisville Lands Commitment from Top Defensive Line Target Cornelius Tims

The Cardinals add a highly coveted player to their 2027 recruiting class.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 9:55am

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Louisville's football program has landed a commitment from Cornelius Tims, a top defensive line prospect from Fort Myers, Florida. Tims, who had offers from several other schools, chose the Cardinals over programs like USF, UCF, Kansas, West Virginia, and Boston College.

Why it matters

Tims was a top target for Louisville in their 2027 recruiting class, and his commitment is a significant boost for the program as they look to build a strong defensive line for the future. His addition helps solidify Louisville's recruiting class, which is currently ranked 11th nationally.

The details

The 6-foot-4, 285-pound defensive lineman had a standout junior season, recording 74 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks. Louisville was the first school to offer Tims a scholarship back in May, and he developed a strong relationship with assistant coach Mark Ivey during the recruiting process. Tims cited Louisville's campus and the program's potential as key factors in his decision to commit to the Cardinals.

  • Tims was offered a scholarship by Louisville in May 2026.
  • Tims committed to Louisville on February 7, 2026.

The players

Cornelius Tims

A 6-foot-4, 285-pound defensive lineman from Fort Myers, Florida, who was a top target for Louisville in their 2027 recruiting class.

Jeff Brohm

The head coach of the Louisville football program, who landed the commitment from Tims.

Mark Ivey

The Louisville assistant coach who was the lead recruiter for Tims.

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What they’re saying

“Louisville has been a dream school for me. Ever since my freshman year, I have old pictures of me dreaming of getting an offer from Louisville. It was everything.”

— Cornelius Tims (on3.com)

“It felt like home when I visited there last spring, everything was there for me.”

— Cornelius Tims (on3.com)

“Me and Coach Ivey built a good relationship. They built a trust with me. It's like a bond that can't be broken.”

— Cornelius Tims (on3.com)

What’s next

Tims plans to return to Louisville's campus in the spring with several of his teammates.

The takeaway

Cornelius Tims' commitment to Louisville is a significant win for the program, as they were able to land a top defensive line target in their 2027 recruiting class. Tims' decision to choose the Cardinals over several other offers highlights the program's growing appeal and the strong relationship he developed with the coaching staff during the recruiting process.