ESPN's stance on Louisville just became crystal clear after schedule release

Louisville basketball is entering the 2025-26 season with some of the most hype in college basketball. The Cardinals are entering a new era under Pat Kelsey, and after just one season, Louisville's head coach has completely changed the culture and the standard for this historic program.

With the ACC schedule coming out, ESPN is all-in on Louisville and is buying stocks in this Transfer Portal class and the 2025 recruiting class that Kelsey brought in. Louisville fans are eager for the season to tip off, and after the schedule release, it is crystal clear that Louisville is one of the best teams in the nation, and college basketball fans are excited to watch this intense schedule.

Related: Pat Kelsey's fiery message just set the tone for Louisville's championship push

ESPN is all-in on Louisville basketball

In college basketball, one of their biggest days for their blockbustle battles is Monday nights. ESPN hosts two games usually for their "Big Monday' lineup, and the Louisville Cardinals are featured multiple times throughout the year.

The Cards' full schedule was released yesterday, and Louisville fans learned they will play Duke twice in January, and North Carolina State and North Carolina in February. Louisville will have three of these four games on ESPN's Monday night lineup and will be on national TV, proving they are worth the hype.

The Cardinals and Blue Devils are expected to be must-watch TV this upcoming season as the Blue Devils bring in multiple 5-star freshmen and the best 2025 recruiting class, including the Boozer twins, who both rank in the top 20. Mikel Brown Jr., and the three elite transfers Louisville added this offseason against Duke's freshmen are going to spark an intense rivalry not only for this upcoming season but for the future of college basketball and the ACC.

Louisville also learned it will host North Carolina State on Monday night on ESPN on February 9. The Wolfpack landed 5-star Matthew Able from the 2025 recruiting class and 5-star transfer Darrion Williams from Texas Tech.

The Cardinals' final Monday night showdown on ESPN's lineup is with the Tar Heels in Chapel Hill. Louisville and UNC will battle it out on February 23 in an intense showdown after the Tar Heels earned the No. 7 best 2025 recruiting class. This is going to be a massive test for Louisville on the road before the postseason begins, and it will truly show where the Cardinals are with the ACC Tournament just around the corner.

The Cardinals' 2025-26 schedule is a gauntlet. No sugar coating that, but ESPN is letting the nation and Louisville fans know they are all-in on this schedule and think the Cardinals have a chance to be one of the best teams in the nation when March Madness comes.

Related: 5 non-conference matchups that will define Louisville basketball’s season

For all the latest on Louisville basketball's offseason and recruiting, stay tuned.