Louisville football is just moments away from kicking off against North Carolina State, and the Cardinals just got the update they have been waiting for. Louisville is coming off a crushing loss to Wake Forest, and the Cardinals need a win; the last thing they wanted was their starting quarterback to get injured.
Louisville football vs. NC State final odds and predictions
Lincoln Kienholz got hit hard late in the game in the Cardinals' loss to the Demon Deacons and was listed as questionable and a game-time decision all week. With the game just moments away, Louisville fans finally got the answer they've been waiting for.
Is Lincoln Kienholz playing against NC State?
Kienholz was seen warming up in Raleigh this afternoon, and while the starting quarterback had both ankles taped, he looked ready to go.
"Louisville QB Lincoln Kienholz looks good in warm-ups and is on track to play against NC State. He’s got both ankles heavily taped," stated Pete Thamel
Kienholz wasn’t limping or looking bothered, and the Cardinals just officially announced that the star QB will start for Louisville this afternoon.
Louisville QB Lincoln Kienholz will start today against NC State, sources tell @Brett_McMurphy and me for @On3.
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) October 3, 2026
Had been listed as a game-time decision and has both his ankles heavily taped up. https://t.co/w1D1pFNctx pic.twitter.com/pM8pJxizc5
Louisville will now give the ball to Kienholz, and the Cardinals hope to rally behind their quarterback and earn their third win of the season. Kienholz has emerged as one of college football’s rising stars, as the Ohio State transfer ranks 16th in the league in passing yards and currently leads the Cardinals in rushing touchdowns.
The dual-threat quarterback is an elite athlete who can throw on the run, extend plays with his legs, and drop the ball right in the basket on deep throws. In 2026, Kienholz has thrown for 1,140 yards and seven touchdowns, while also completing 69 percent of his passes. In addition to his passing, Kienholz has rushed for 134 yards and six touchdowns.
He was the first Cardinal quarterback to throw for 300 yards or more in his debut, and he followed that with 300-plus yards in three of his four games so far.
Louisville and Kienholz now turn their attention to North Carolina State, where the Cardinals are a 3.5-point favorite on the road. This marks Louisville’s first road game of the season, as the Cardinals have played three games at home and one game at a neutral site.
Louisville and North Carolina State are scheduled to kick off at 3:30 p.m. local time on the ACC Network.
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