Louisville’s football program is riding a wave of optimism as the Atlantic Coast Conference’s preseason media poll places the Cardinals third in the league’s hierarchy, marking the highest preseason projection for the school in nine years.
A New Era of Expectations
The poll, which aggregates votes from ACC media members, awarded Louisville 2,569 points and four first‑place ballots, underscoring confidence in a defense anchored by standout linemen Clev Lubin and A.J. Green, as well as a revamped offense led by running back Isaac Brown and new starting quarterback Lincoln Kienholz.
Miami remains the overwhelming favorite, collecting 165 first‑place votes, while SMU, fresh off a run to the ACC Championship game, earned the second‑seed position. Clemson, a perennial powerhouse, slipped to fourth in the rankings.
For head coach Jeff Brohm, entering his fourth season, the preseason accolades reflect a culmination of recruiting and development work. Brohm highlighted the strength of the defensive front and the versatility of his backfield during a recent press conference.
The Cardinals will test that optimism on the field beginning September 6, when they travel to Nashville to open the season against Ole Miss. A week later, Louisville returns home to face SMU at L&N Stadium, kicking off ACC play on September 19.
National preview outlets have also positioned Louisville among the ACC’s top contenders, citing the combination of a stout defense and a dynamic offense as factors that could propel the team beyond its recent 9‑4 record.