Louisville Lands Commitment From '27 TE Xavier Ratica

Ratica is the second tight end to commit to the Cardinals in the 2027 cycle, and is their eighth commitment overall.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 11:38pm

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The Louisville football program has landed a commitment from 2027 tight end Xavier Ratica, who plays for West Chester (Oh.) Lakota West. Ratica chose Louisville over offers from Maryland, NC State, Washington State and others. He is the second tight end in the 2027 class to commit to the Cardinals, joining Cleveland (Oh.) Villa Angela-St. Joseph's D'Angelo White.

Why it matters

Ratica's commitment continues to build Louisville's impressive 2027 recruiting class, which is currently ranked as the top class in the ACC and 5th nationally. The Cardinals are making inroads in Ohio, with Ratica being the fourth prospect from the Buckeye State to pledge to Louisville in this cycle.

The details

Ratica, a 6-foot-5, 235-pound tight end, is regarded as the No. 1,179 prospect in the nation and the No. 58 tight end in the 2027 class per the 247Sports Composite. He is primarily known as a blocking tight end, allowing zero sacks or pressures last season and recording 42 blocks that led to first downs and 20 that produced touchdowns. Ratica also caught 8 passes for 114 yards.

  • Ratica announced his commitment on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

The players

Xavier Ratica

A 2027 tight end prospect who plays for West Chester (Oh.) Lakota West High School.

D'Angelo White

A 2027 tight end prospect who plays for Cleveland (Oh.) Villa Angela-St. Joseph's High School and has also committed to Louisville.

Vince Marrow

The recruiting coordinator for the Louisville football program who has helped build the Cardinals' pipeline to the state of Ohio.

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What they’re saying

“On the field, they're getting a competitor. Someone who plays hard to the whistle every snap and is always looking to improve. I appreciate the physicality that's a part of the game. I'm going to do whatever it takes to help the team win. Off the field, I'm someone who's disciplined, coachable, and about the right things. I take pride in representing my family and my program the right way. They're getting someone who's going to come in and work.”

— Xavier Ratica

The takeaway

Ratica's commitment is another strong addition to Louisville's impressive 2027 recruiting class, which is currently ranked among the best in the ACC and the nation. The Cardinals continue to make inroads in Ohio, an important recruiting territory, with Ratica being the fourth Buckeye State prospect to pledge to Louisville in this cycle.