Louisville basketball’s season is just one week away, with the Cardinals set to face the Kansas Jayhawks in another thrilling preseason game. Cardinals fans are counting down the days to see this new Pat Kelsey squad, as they have lofty expectations for the season ahead, and FanSided just proved why.
Louisville's Flory Bidunga just got the preseason recognition he deserves from the ACC
The Cardinals made some major moves this past offseason, adding 11 players, including eight from the Transfer Portal and three from the 2026 recruiting class. With these changes, Louisville built one of the country's most expensive and talented rosters.
FanSided’s Rodney Knuppel recently released his top 25 players in the ACC, and, unsurprisingly, Louisville fans noticed multiple players in the rankings.
Louisville lands three stars in FanSided’s latest ACC rankings
The Cardinals have Final Four hopes and dreams this upcoming season, and Knuppel’s rankings prove it's definitely achievable. These rankings show not only that Louisville could be a problem in the ACC, but also that the Cardinals can truly challenge Duke.
Yes, Duke has more players in the top 25, but UofL has three players ranked inside the top 12, which shows why this team is so dangerous entering the upcoming season.
We will start off with Louisville's biggest addition, Flory Bidunga. He is the top-ranked Cardinal, as the 5-star transfer and Preseason All-ACC First Team center is ranked No. 3. Virginia’s Thijs De Ridder and Duke’s John Blackwell rank ahead of Bidunga.
"Louisville gains an established defensive anchor who can influence games without requiring a steady supply of offensive touches. His rebounding and rim protection should make the Cardinals considerably more difficult to attack inside. Bidunga has a legitimate opportunity to become the ACC's best defensive player."Rodney Knuppel
Following Bidunga are the Cardinals' two star guards, Jackson Shelstad and Seth Trimble. The Oregon transfer is No. 9, while Trimble is No. 14, which could give Louisville one of the best backcourts in the conference. Of course, Louisville fans are waiting to see if Trimble is eligible, but these rankings suggest that if the UNC transfer is, Trimble and Shelstad would be a scary duo in the ACC.
"Louisville has assembled a talented collection of transfers, but somebody must establish defensive intensity and dependable decision-making. Trimble can fill that role while providing additional scoring when needed. His experience against ACC opponents should make the transition considerably easier."Rodney Knuppel
The three teams everyone has their eyes on in the ACC are Duke, Virginia, and Louisville. There is a lot of hype surrounding all three programs, and these rankings prove why. UVA and Louisville have three players in the top 25, while Duke has five.
It will be a challenge to steal the ACC crown from the Blue Devils, but Kelsey's offseason moves should give Louisville a good chance. Louisville top three players are surrounded by multiple 4-stars, including former 5-star Karter Knox, and 7-foot-2 5-star freshman Obinna Ekezie Jr.
This should be a fun year for Louisville, and Kelsey has put the Cardinals in a prime position to be extremely scary in 2026-27. The Cardinals are starving for an ACC Title, as they have never won it before. Louisville and Duke will meet at KFC Yum! Center on Feb. 27 at 9 p.m. local time.
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