Obinna Ekezie Jr., a five-star center and the No. 4 prospect in the 2027 recruiting class, has committed to Louisville basketball for the 2026-27 season. He announced his decision on Instagram, marking a significant addition to the Cardinals' roster.
Key points
Obinna Ekezie Jr. commits to Louisville basketball
He is a five-star center and No. 4 prospect in 2027 class
Ekezie reclassified to join the 2026 recruiting class
Announcement made on Instagram
Louisville basketball is preparing for the 2026-27 season
Obinna Ekezie Jr.Louisville Cardinals
Obinna Ekezie Jr. commits to Louisville basketball: What to know of 5-star C
The Cardinals won the recruiting Ekezie sweepstakes against Arkansas, BYU, Kentucky and Maryland, according to the Louisville Courier Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network. His dad, Obinna Ekezie Sr., played in the NBA for four seasons.
Q&A
Who is Obinna Ekezie Jr. and what is his ranking?
Obinna Ekezie Jr. is a five-star center ranked as the No. 4 national prospect in the 2027 recruiting class according to 247Sports Composite rankings.
Why did Obinna Ekezie Jr. reclassify to the 2026 recruiting class?
Obinna Ekezie Jr. reclassified to the 2026 recruiting class to join Louisville basketball earlier than originally planned, enhancing the team's roster for the upcoming season.
What impact will Ekezie's commitment have on Louisville basketball?
Ekezie's commitment is expected to significantly strengthen Louisville basketball's roster as they prepare for the 2026-27 season.
When did Obinna Ekezie Jr. announce his commitment to Louisville?
Obinna Ekezie Jr. announced his commitment to Louisville basketball on Sunday via Instagram.
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"I have chosen to commit to (the) University of Louisville as I feel it's the best situation to develop, showcase my game and strive to win a national championship," Ekezie told ESPN's Jeff Borzello and Paul Biancardi on why he chose Louisville. "Coach Kelsey separated himself with his detailed plan for my development, specifically being able to play and develop at both the 4 and 5. His excellent staff was completely bought in to helping me reach my goals. But honestly, what put it over the top was the visit. Louisville felt like home from the moment I got there."
Ekezie not only brings a 7-foot frame to the Cardinals, but also adds to their growing depth at the forward position. He was also a consensus five-star and top-five ranked recruit, according to different recruiting outlets.
As noted by the Courier Journal, Ekezie participated in the Basketball Without Borders camp at the 2026 NBA All-Star Game in February, where he earned Defensive Most Valuable Player honors.
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies drives to the basket against Mackenly Randolph #4 of the Louisville Cardinals during the first half at United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025 in Annapolis, Maryland.
Louisville Cardinals guard Tajianna Roberts (22) looks to pass during the first half against the UConn Huskies at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies drives to the basket against Imari Berry #2 of the Louisville Cardinals during the first half at United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball over Elif Istanbulluoglu #11 of the Louisville Cardinals during the first half at United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025 in Annapolis, Maryland.
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies drives to the basket against Mackenly Randolph #4 of the Louisville Cardinals during the first half at United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025 in Annapolis, Maryland.
Head coaches Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies and Jeff Walz of the Louisville Cardinals share a laugh before the game at United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025 in Annapolis, Maryland.
UConn Huskies guard Ashlynn Shade (12) dribbles after rebounding during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
Louisville Cardinals guard Imari Berry (2) shoots over UConn Huskies guard Azzi Fudd (35) during the first half at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma looks onto the court during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
Louisville Cardinals guard Tajianna Roberts (22) shoots as UConn Huskies guard Azzi Fudd (35) defends the paint during the first half at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
Louisville Cardinals head coach Jeff Walz speaks with forward Laura Ziegler (0) during the first half against the UConn Huskies at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma reacts during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
Louisville Cardinals guard Reyna Scott (1) dribbles as UConn Huskies guard Ashlynn Shade (12) defends during the first half at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
Louisville Cardinals guard Reyna Scott (1) passes up the court during the first half against the UConn Huskies at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
Louisville Cardinals forward Laura Ziegler (0) dribbles up the court during the first half against the UConn Huskies at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma directs his team during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
UConn Huskies center Jana el Alfy (8) runs down the court during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
Louisville Cardinals guard Tajianna Roberts (22) makes a move to the basket as UConn Huskies forward Serah Williams (22) defends during the first half at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
A general view as team line up on the court for the National Anthem before the game between the UConn Huskies and the Louisville Cardinals at United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025 in Annapolis, Maryland.
1 / 19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies drives to the basket against Mackenly Randolph #4 of the Louisville Cardinals during the first half at United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025 in Annapolis, Maryland.
1 / 19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies drives to the basket against Mackenly Randolph #4 of the Louisville Cardinals during the first half at United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025 in Annapolis, Maryland.
2 / 19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
Louisville Cardinals guard Tajianna Roberts (22) looks to pass during the first half against the UConn Huskies at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
3 / 19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies drives to the basket against Imari Berry #2 of the Louisville Cardinals during the first half at United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
4 / 19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball over Elif Istanbulluoglu #11 of the Louisville Cardinals during the first half at United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025 in Annapolis, Maryland.
5 / 19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies drives to the basket against Mackenly Randolph #4 of the Louisville Cardinals during the first half at United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025 in Annapolis, Maryland.
6 / 19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
Head coaches Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies and Jeff Walz of the Louisville Cardinals share a laugh before the game at United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025 in Annapolis, Maryland.
7 / 19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
UConn Huskies guard Ashlynn Shade (12) dribbles after rebounding during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
8 / 19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
Louisville Cardinals guard Imari Berry (2) shoots over UConn Huskies guard Azzi Fudd (35) during the first half at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
9 / 19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma looks onto the court during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
10 / 19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
Louisville Cardinals guard Tajianna Roberts (22) shoots as UConn Huskies guard Azzi Fudd (35) defends the paint during the first half at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
11 / 19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
Louisville Cardinals head coach Jeff Walz speaks with forward Laura Ziegler (0) during the first half against the UConn Huskies at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
12 / 19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma reacts during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
13 / 19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
Louisville Cardinals guard Reyna Scott (1) dribbles as UConn Huskies guard Ashlynn Shade (12) defends during the first half at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
14 / 19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
Louisville Cardinals guard Reyna Scott (1) passes up the court during the first half against the UConn Huskies at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
15 / 19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
Louisville Cardinals forward Laura Ziegler (0) dribbles up the court during the first half against the UConn Huskies at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
16 / 19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma directs his team during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
17 / 19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
UConn Huskies center Jana el Alfy (8) runs down the court during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
18 / 19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
Louisville Cardinals guard Tajianna Roberts (22) makes a move to the basket as UConn Huskies forward Serah Williams (22) defends during the first half at Alumni Hall on United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland.
19 / 19
No. 1 UCONN opens season against No. 19 Louisville at U.S. Naval Academy
A general view as team line up on the court for the National Anthem before the game between the UConn Huskies and the Louisville Cardinals at United States Naval Academy on Nov. 4, 2025 in Annapolis, Maryland.
Obinna Ekezie Jr. 247 ranking
Stars: Five
National ranking: No. 4
Positional ranking: No. 2
State ranking: No. 2
Ekezie is listed as a five-star prospect and the No. 4 overall recruit in the 2027 recruiting class by 247Sports Composite rankings. He is the No. 2 center and No. 2 player in the state of Florida in the 2027 class, as well.
His classification rankings are not updated to the 2026 recruiting class at the time of this writing.
Ekezie becomes the eighth addition to the Cardinals' 2026-27 roster after Louisville swarmed the transfer portal following their first-weekend exit from the men's NCAA tournament. Louisville should be a top-15 ranked team — if not within the top-10 — in preseason polls with a roster that includes Kansas transfer Flory Bidunga, Oregon transfer Jackson Shelstad and Arkansas transfer Karter Knox.
Here's an updated look at Louisville's offseason acquisitions with Ekezie's commitment and re-classification: