Honorable mention all-state linebacker pledges to the Cardinals
CINCINNATI — North College Hill 2027 linebacker Josiah Pouncy announced his verbal commitment to the University of Louisville on Saturday.
Pouncy, considered one of Ohio’s top high school football prospects in the 2027 class, drew interest and scholarship offers from a long list of programs throughout the recruiting process.
Schools showing interest in January included Wisconsin, Purdue, Colorado State, Stanford, Ohio State, Georgia and Penn State. Louisville conducted a home visit with Pouncy last month and officially offered him a scholarship in April 2025.
The 6-foot-3, 212-pound linebacker held offers from Cincinnati, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan State, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Tennessee, Washington and others, according to 247Sports and WCPO 9 Sports. On Jan. 30, Pouncy tweeted that Washington became the 20th school to extend him a scholarship offer.
Despite the heavy interest, Pouncy said Louisville felt like the right place.
“I’m home,” Pouncy tweeted Saturday while announcing his commitment to the Cardinals.
North College Hill head coach Tyler Williams said Louisville is an ideal fit for his standout linebacker. Pouncy also shared a photo of his commitment alongside Louisville co-defensive coordinator Mark Ivey and executive director of football personnel and recruiting Vince Marrow.
“The Louisville coaching staff has done an amazing job recruiting him and building a relationship with him,” Williams said. “A lot of schemes and the defense they run Josiah is very familiar with.”
Williams added that he’s excited to see what Pouncy does next season. Pouncy earned Division IV honorable mention all-state honors and was a Southwest District second-team linebacker at Taft in 2025.
“I expect for him to continue to lead not only on the field but also in the classroom and in the community,” Williams said.
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