The University of Louisville football program has strengthened its defense for the 2025 season by signing defensive back Justin Agu and linebacker Kalib Perry. Both players bring valuable experience from their previous programs, Louisiana and Tennessee, respectively, and are expected to make an immediate impact for the Cardinals
Justin Agu, a 6-foot-1, 185-pound transfer from Louisiana, joins Louisville after playing in 21 games over two seasons with the Ragin’ Cajuns. A native of Prairieville, Louisiana, Agu is coming off a breakout 2024 campaign in which he appeared in 12 games, starting 10. He recorded 36 tackles, including 2.0 tackles for loss, four pass breakups, and a fumble recovery, helping lead his team to the conference title game. Agu initially signed with Louisiana as part of the Class of 2021 but did not see the field in his first two years. In 2023, he appeared in nine games, registering 13 tackles, one for loss, and a pass breakup.
Kalib Perry, a 6-foot-3, 230-pound linebacker, arrives from Tennessee, where he made his mark as a versatile defender. The Rock Hill, South Carolina, native recorded 61 tackles across 36 games during his three seasons with the Volunteers. In 2024, Perry posted career-best numbers, including 26 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble in 12 games, with starts against Florida, Alabama, and Ohio State in the College Football Playoff first round. Against Ohio State, he contributed four tackles in a strong defensive effort. Perry played significant snaps in 10 games, logging 234 total snaps on the season—the fourth-most among Tennessee linebackers.
Perry’s earlier seasons showcased his growth as a player. In 2023, he recorded 21 tackles, while as a freshman in 2022, he contributed 14 tackles and displayed his special teams prowess by blocking punts against Kentucky and Vanderbilt. Before joining Tennessee, Perry starred at Great Crossing High School in Georgetown, Kentucky, where he recorded 85 tackles and 9.5 tackles for loss as a senior in 2021, following an outstanding junior season with 140 tackles and an interception.
With the additions of Agu and Perry, the Cardinals add depth, experience, and proven playmaking ability to their defensive unit. Agu’s knack for disrupting passing plays and Perry’s versatility and big-game experience position Louisville to take a step forward defensively in 2025 as they look to contend in a competitive college football landscape.
