3. Defensive Line
The Cardinals' defensive line was one of the team's best position groups in 2025. Entering the season, Louisville fans weren’t sure what the defense would look like, but right before fall scrimmages, they began to realize how special that group would be.
However, Louisville is losing key pieces in Rene Konga, Jordan Guerad, and Wesley Bailey. And to make it worse, they learned star edge rusher AJ Green and key backup Justin Beadles will enter the portal. So, now Louisville will look to replace multiple key pieces from a season ago, making this a key area Brohm must address in the portal.
The Cardinals did learn Clev Lubin will return, which is massive. The Coastal Carolina transfer earned 13.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles in 2025 and will be a key starter in 2026. But Louisville fans have made it clear they want to prioritize the trenches this offseason, and from the looks of it early on, Brohm is doing just that. So far, Louisville has been in contact with Kentucky transfers Jerod Smith II and Jacob Smith, as well as Demeco Kennedy and Jamarrion Harkless.