9. Jabari Mack, DB
One of the biggest questions entering the 2025 football season surrounded the personnel and talent level in the defensive secondary. The lack of big-name or returning talent provided for many unknowns for a position that struggled mightily against opposing offenses the previous year. Little did Cards fans know that senior Jabari Mack would spark this secondary and be an absolute force against opposing passing attacks all season.
Mack finished the season with 32 tackles (17 solo tackles) and two interceptions for the Cardinal defense. His biggest interception came against the No. 2 Miami Hurricanes, one that stalled a critical drive and one of four interceptions quarterback Carson Beck threw that Friday night. Performance, time after time, such as the one he delivered in the win at Miami, was part of the reason for Louisville’s success early and mid-season, and a solid defense did its part in helping Louisville achieve its eight wins this season.