College athletics today are very much a “year-to-year” business. The old model of players committing to a school for three or four years is long gone, replaced by the transfer portal and NIL deals that reshape rosters each offseason. For programs in the Power Four, the challenge isn’t just recruiting anymore — it’s rebuilding and maintaining depth every single year in order to compete for conference championships and College Football Playoff berths.
Louisville football is no exception. The Cardinals lost major production on both sides of the ball after the 2024 season. Head coach Jeff Brohm entered the offseason with plenty on his plate after seeing quarterback Tyler Shough, wide receiver Ja’Corey Brooks, and star edge rusher Ashton Gillotte depart.
It wasn’t an easy rebuild, and while expectations remain high, questions still linger about who will step up. Brohm and his staff reloaded heavily through the transfer portal, and the roster has the potential for breakout performers almost anywhere. New quarterback Miller Moss is the obvious centerpiece — the USC transfer will ultimately dictate just how far this team can go — but the Cards’ 2025 season may hinge even more on these five position groups.
5 Positions That Will Make or Break Louisville Football’s 2025 Season
5. Running Back
In 2024, Isaac Brown quickly separated himself from the rest of Louisville’s backfield. Filling the shoes of Jawhar Jordan, Brown became the first true freshman in program history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. He did it on just 165 carries — nearly 100 more than Duke Watson, who finished second on the team with 67.
If Louisville is going to reach its potential in 2025, it will need a more balanced rushing attack. Brown proved he can handle a heavy workload, but Brohm would prefer to rotate backs more often, keeping legs fresh into November and December.
With a new quarterback learning the system, a reliable run game is crucial. Sustaining drives and staying ahead of the chains will ease Moss into games, especially against tough ACC defenses. As the old saying goes: “A quarterback’s best friend is a strong run game.” For the Cards, that starts with the running back room living up to its potential week after week.
Related: 3 crucial keys that will make or break Louisville football’s 2025 season