Hailing from Akron, Ohio, four-star athlete Payton Cook found himself in the enviable position of choosing from multiple college offers for his football future. Among his options, the Louisville Cardinals seemed to hold a particular appeal after he visited them last weekend.
Reflecting on his visit, Cook shared with Chad Simmons from On3, “Being there just felt like home. During Saturday’s visit, I had this overwhelming feeling that I belonged at Louisville. After watching the practice and absorbing the environment, I knew it was the right fit for me.”
Despite a strong interest in Michigan and other enticing offers from institutions like Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Miami, Pitt, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, Cook’s heart settled on Louisville. What really tipped the scales in their favor was the addition of Deion Branch, a former NFL standout and Super Bowl MVP, to their coaching staff.
Cook recalled, “Right off the bat, as soon as Branch came onboard, he reached out to me first. That showed his genuine interest. Knowing someone of his caliber—who not only played there but also won Super Bowls—was keen on me meant a lot. From the moment he was hired, our interactions made it clear Louisville was the place for me. The opportunity to be coached by a legend like him was something I just couldn’t pass up.”
Now, all eyes will be on Deion Branch to see what he can accomplish with a promising wideout like Cook from Ohio. According to the 247Sports Composite, Cook ranks as the number 46 wide receiver in the 2026 class. This commitment marks the 12th for head coach Jeff Brohm for the 2026 class, which is ranked 7th nationally.
