3. AJ Green
Jeff Brohm found a way to load up this defensive line, especially the edge position. The Cardinals added stars like Jerod Smith and Tyler Thompson, but the biggest key to this offseason for the defense was keeping their stars from last season, including AJ Green. The star edge rusher from last season announced he was entering the portal and immediatley became one of the best defenders in the portal, but Brohm found a way for Green to withdraw his name and to stay a Louisville Cardinal.
Green had one of the best seasons as an edge rusher in the ACC last season. The 6-foot-5,250-pound edge rusher logged an impressive 31 tackles, 6.0 tackles for a loss, 4.0 sacks, one forced fumble, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. He created a dominant duo with Clev Lubin and made this defensive line a dominant force in 2025.
Now, he will return for his junior season, and hopefully, this experienced defensive line will help lead this Cardinals team to its first ACC Title. Green's return gave this Cardinals defense a massive boost, and he will be a key starter in 2026.