2. Clev Lubin
Now, moving on to Green’s partner, Clev Lubin. The Coastal Carolina transfer announced he will return early on in the portal window, and he has now been a key reason why Louisville’s defense has such high expectations moving to the 2026 season.
Lubin was in the top five on the Cardinals' defense in many stats as he led the team with 8.5 sacks and three forced fumbles, and was fourth on the team with 59 tackles. He also had three pass breakups last season, which was tied for the sixth most on the team. Now, he will be rewarded for staying loyal to Louisville and Jeff Brohm as the Cardinals paired him up with a dominant defensive line with AJ Green, Tyler Thompson, and Jerod Smith.
Lubin and Green showed last season how dominant they can be together, and now Brohm has added depth at the position with key players Thompson and Smith. Louisville’s defensive line is experienced and a force of havoc, and entering the 2026 season, the Cardinals fans are going to have high expectations after what it produced last year.