3 Louisville football additions that will fix main issue that killed them last season

Jeff Brohm has made it clear this offseason that the main issue that killed Louisville football in 2024 was their secondary and giving up big plays. The Cardinals' secondary did not play up to Brohm or Ron English's standards, and the Cardinals lost four of their best five defensive backs from last season, including All-ACC Quincy Riley.

So, with Louisville having goals of returning to the ACC Championship game, fans and experts have made it clear that it is this defense that must step up for their dreams to become a reality. Brohm went out and got multiple defensive stars from the Transfer Portal to help prevent the big plays and the ball being thrown over their heads.

And if Louisville wants to shock the world and beat Clemson, Miami, or SMU, then their transfers and their defense must step up and limit the extended plays. So, here are three Louisville football additions that will fix the main issue that killed them last season.

3 Louisville football additions that will fix main issue that killed them last season

3. Clev Lubin

While this is a surprise to some, it actually has a massive impact on the secondary and limits big plays. The Cardinals' defensive line must provide pressure so the secondary isn't isolated for so long, and a transfer who must step up is Clev Lubin.

The Coastal Carolina transfer was one of the best edge rushers in the Transfer Portal, and when Louisville fans watch tape or look at his stats, they will understand why. Lubin is coming off a monster season in 2024, where he secured 44 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, three pass deflections, and three forced fumbles. His 9.5 sacks place No. 15 in the nation. The year before, he was even more dominant as he logged 55 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries.

If Louisville wants to limit big plays on the ground or in the air, Lubin must put up similar numbers and make the transition to the ACC easily. This off-season, Brohm made it clear he wanted the defense to work on limiting the ball being thrown over the secondary's head, and while the defensive backs must keep the ball in front, it is also important for the defensive line to pressure the quarterback and force him to make ill-advised throws or throw it away.