The Cardinals' 2025 season has officially concluded, and after Louisville football defeated Toledo in the Boca Raton Bowl, the Cards finished the season 9-4 for the second straight season. Louisville fans will now turn their full attention to the Transfer Portal and hope the Cards can bring in some elite talent like Dylan Raiola and others, while keeping key players.
Louisville has already lost seven players to the portal, including star defensive edge rusher AJ Green. Louisville fans were quite shocked by Green's decision, and now it's putting pressure on Brohm and the team to ensure Louisville doesn't lose key pieces like Green again.
With the portal opening in just one week, here are five Cardinals Louisville football must bring back for the 2026 season.
Predicting which Louisville football players leave or stay with the Cardinals
5. Antonio Watts
The Cardinals' linebacker position has been its glue for the past couple of years, as this unit has consistently led Louisville in tackles. The Cards are losing TJ Quinn to eligibility, making it crucial that Louisville keep one of its breakout stars, Antonio Watts.
Watts' 42 total tackles rank No. 6 on the team, while securing career-highs with three interceptions, three pass deflections, two sacks, and two forced fumbles. The Cards' defense already took a major hit with AJ Green entering the portal, and now it is all hands on deck to try to avoid other key starters leaving.
Louisville already has plenty of unknowns, but the linebacker position is one where the fans are confident with the Watts and TJ Capers. Depth at the linebacker position is crucial for a CFP contender, making it crucial that Brohm keep Watts.