Jeff Brohm enters his fourth season at Louisville after a 9-4 campaign in 2025. Brian Brohm returns as offensive coordinator. With Miller Moss moving on to the NFL and the Chicago Bears, Ohio State transfer Lincoln Kienholz takes over as Louisville’s starting quarterback. Isaac Brown and Keyjuan Brown return at running back, while Missouri transfer Marquise Davis joins the backfield after averaging 67 rushing yards per game in three appearances last season. Louisville must rebuild its receiver room after Chris Bell and Caullin Lacy departed for the NFL. Florida State transfer Lawayne McCoy and Vanderbilt transfer Tre Richardson join the receiving corps. Center Lance Robinson is the lone returning starter on the offensive line, and transfers Eryx Daugherty and Cason Henry join the group.

Steve Ellis and Mark Ivey take over as co-defensive coordinators. Louisville must replace its top three tacklers from last season. Clev Lubin returns at defensive end, while the Cardinals feature several new starters. Antonio Watts, T.J. Capers, Stanquan Clark, and Tayon Holloway return at linebacker and in the secondary, and Iowa transfer Koen Entringer joins the defense. Update (Sept. 24): Antonio Watts will miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury.

Karl Maslowski returns as special teams coordinator. Louisville will feature new primary options at placekicker, punter, punt returner, and kickoff returner in 2026.

Louisville enters 2026 with significant turnover at quarterback, receiver, offensive line, and several special teams positions. Kienholz takes over as a first-year starter, and Isaac Brown and Keyjuan Brown bring backfield experience. Defensively, Louisville must replace its top three tacklers while incorporating several new contributors.