Louisville, Ky. – The University of Louisville Cardinals closed the 2025 season with a 9‑4 record, highlighted by a Boca Raton Bowl victory. While the season featured a promising 7‑1 start, a three‑game losing streak and several close losses kept the team from contending for the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) championship.
Coach Jeff Brohm’s outlook
Head coach Jeff Brohm, whose contract was extended through 2033 last spring, says the program is focused on turning those narrow defeats into wins. Brohm has been active in the transfer portal, adding quarterback Lincoln Kienholz from Ohio State after Kienholz completed three seasons with limited playing time. Brohm hopes Kienholz can develop into a reliable starter.
Returning players and key contributors
Running back Isaac Brown returns after a season in which he rushed for 884 yards and seven touchdowns despite missing three games due to injury. Over his two‑year career, Brown has amassed 2,057 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. Brohm emphasized that keeping Brown healthy will be vital to the Cardinals’ offensive success.
Keyjuan Brown (no relation) also returns, having logged 704 rushing yards and six scores in ten games last season. Both backs averaged more than 7.3 yards per carry, helping Louisville rank fifth in the ACC for rushing offense (163.9 yards per game).
Defensive stability
Defensive lineman Clev Lubin, who recorded 61 tackles and a team‑high 8.5 sacks, chose to forego the NFL draft and remain with Louisville. His presence anchors a defense that ranked second in the ACC last year, allowing 303.1 yards per game. Lubin is the only returning member of the top five tacklers, so veteran leadership will be needed from other returning players and new transfers.
Defensive back Antonio Watts is back after leading the team with three interceptions in the first four games of the previous season, including a pick against Miami.
New arrivals on offense
The Cardinals added several transfers to bolster the receiving corps: wide receiver Tre Richardson from Vanderbilt, wide receiver Garth White from Rhode Island, and tight end Brady Foley from Tulsa. Additional offensive depth includes tight end Nate Kurisky (Duke), quarterback Miller Moss (formerly with the NFL), wide receiver Chris Bell (a third‑round NFL draft pick by Miami), and wide receiver/kick returner Caullin Lacy, now a free agent with the New York Jets.
Upcoming schedule
Louisville’s 2026 schedule is relatively favorable, lacking games against traditional powerhouses Miami, Clemson, or Virginia. The Cardinals open the season against College Football Playoff semifinalist Ole Miss on Sept. 6 in Nashville, followed by a home game against SMU on Sept. 19. Other notable matchups include Florida State (Oct. 9) and a rivalry game at Kentucky on Nov. 28.
In the preseason ACC media poll, Louisville was projected to finish third behind Miami and SMU. The team will play a nine‑game conference slate and eleven games overall against Power Five opponents.
Looking ahead
Brohm’s focus remains on translating early‑season momentum into consistent performance, reducing injuries, and developing the new quarterback talent. With a solid core of returning players, a refreshed defensive line, and a schedule that offers opportunities for wins, the Cardinals hope to improve on their third straight nine‑win season and climb higher in the ACC standings.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
