Louisville football has its first game of the 2025 regular season this Saturday against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels. While Louisville is a 38.5-point favorite, the Cardinals will face some solid opponents and encounter a few challenges.
Walt Wells has a 30-26 record with Eastern Kentucky and has earned the respect of Jeff Brohm over the years. Many new faces will highlight the Colonels' team, but some stars are expected to emerge in 2025. So, while the Cardinals should dominate from start and finish, here are three Eastern Kentucky players who could give Louisville football trouble on Saturday.
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3 Eastern Kentucky players who could give Louisville football trouble
3. Braden Sullivan - LB
On the defensive side, not many players will stand out, but Braden Sullivan is a name that Louisville fans will hear a lot of on Saturday. The Colonels' star linebacker was second on the team in tackles last year as he finished with 92 tackles. He is going to be all over the field Saturday and try to find a way to punch that ball out. Last season, he logged 2.5 tackles for a loss, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
The Cardinals' offensive line must mark the junior linebacker, and if they can keep an eye on him, then the rushing attack should dominate as it is supposed to. The Cards' offense should run all over this defense, but when the game ends, don't be surprised when looking at the stats and learn that No. 33 earned double-digit tackles. Last season, he logged 17 tackles in a single game.
2. Marcus Calwise Jr.
Louisville's secondary is going to have an excellent Week 1 test with the Colonels' star receiver, Marcus Calwise Jr. The Cardinals will be led by multiple transfers, including Rodney Johnson Jr. and Jabari Mack, and they will have a legitimate challenge guarding Calwise.
Last season, the 5-10, 190-pound receiver logged 42 receptions, 526 receiving yards, and five touchdowns. He went on to be the Colonel's leading receiver in all three categories and earned All-UAC honors. Louisville's secondary must keep Calwise in front of them, or he will use his breakaway speed and make them pay. The Cardinals' secondary is one of the bigger question marks entering the 2025 season, and with Calwise lining up on the other side, it will be a fun test to see how much this secondary has improved over the offseason.
1. Brayden Latham - RB
The biggest star on this Eastern Kentucky team is their returning running back, Brayden Latham. Last season, he played under Joshua Carter, but still managed to log some impressive numbers, running for 662 yards on 147 carries. He averaged 4.7 yards per carry and found the endzone three times.
Carter was able to run for over 1,200 yards last season, and while EKU will have an inexperienced offensive line, Louisville must keep an eye out for Latham. The Cardinals' defensive line will get a great Week 1 test with Latham and his skills. The Cards' defense should dominate the trenches and take care of business, but don't be surprised if Latham can break a few long runs.
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For all the latest on Louisville football's 2025 season, stay tuned.