Louisville football did not quite have the 2025 season many hoped for. The Cards entered the year with high expectations after landing USC transfer quarterback Miller Moss. Following a disappointing overtime loss to Virginia in October, Louisville bounced back with a shocking road win over No. 2 Miami. That victory turned out to be the high point of the season, as the Cards finished just 3–3 the rest of the way in the regular season.
That frustrating finish has fans looking ahead to 2026 with renewed optimism. Louisville’s 2026 schedule offers some encouraging opportunities, but it also includes several intimidating dates. With no clear way to predict just how good—or bad—this team will be, fans are left to speculate how Louisville stacks up against a challenging slate.
There are three games on the schedule that will serve as major measuring sticks and help define what kind of season Louisville is headed for. So, here are Louisville football’s three biggest games on the Cardinals' 2026 schedule.