College basketball fans, we have finally made it! Exhibition games are in full force across the country as teams prepare to start the 2025-2026 season. The Louisville basketball team will kick off its season this Friday night, hosting the No. 19 Kansas Jayhawks in a highly anticipated matchup. This exhibition will be the first time for most Cards fans to see live game action of the highly touted squad that coach Pat Kelsey assembled earlier this year.
The Louisville Cardinals are expected to be a championship contender by many media outlets due to the highly talented roster. Kelsey was able to work his recruiting magic in both the high school ranks and the transfer portal, assembling what many believe to be the best and deepest backcourt in all of college basketball. With the majority of Kelsey’s returning experience filling in the front court positions, Louisville looks to be one of the most well-rounded and deepest teams in the country.
With these high expectations come the anticipated preseason question marks, particularly questions about player potential and their ability to overcome adversity. Louisville will need not only its stars, but the team as a whole to be their absolute best night in and night out to reach the pinnacle of college basketball at season’s end. However, some team members seem to have more to prove than others as the season begins.
Here are five Louisville Cardinals that have the most to prove for the Louisville Cardinals as the 2025-2026 season tips off.