5 Louisville football players that will make or break the Cardinals' 2025 season

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Louisville football fans are expecting the Cardinals to make a run towards the ACC Championship this season, but with a challenging schedule, the Cardinals will have an uphill battle. The Cardinals have the skills and players to shock the nation and not just return to Charlotte but crash the College Football Playoffs.

The Cardinals have the third-best odds to win the ACC Title, and with Jeff Brohm leading the group, there is no reason the Cardinals can't make history this season. For that to happen, multiple players must step up and lead Louisville to ACC glory. So, here are five Louisville football players who will make or break the Cardinals' 2025 season.

5 Louisville football players that will make or break the Cardinals 2025 season

5. Chris Bell - WR

Entering the 2025 season, a few players in the league have the hype Chris Bell is getting. The star wide receiver is trending as one of the nation's top choices to explode in his senior season, as he is expected to become WR1 for Jeff Brohm's offense.

The Cardinals hired Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch as their new wide receiver coach, and many fans believe this unit is one of the key positions that have to step up if Louisville wants to make a run towards the 2025 College Football Playoffs. Last season, Bell took a big step in his career and was Tyler Shough's WR2 as he caught 43 catches for 737 receiving yards and four touchdowns.

Entering the 2025 season as a Preseason All-ACC receiver, Bell has a lot of pressure on his shoulders. It is crucial for him not to fold under pressure and to live up to those expectations and be Miller Moss's best friend this season. The 6-foot-2 220-pound receiver is earning AJ Brown comparisons and is seeing his NFL Draft stock reach an all-time high.

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