Louisville football jumped by ACC rival in updated post-spring Top 25

The spring is officially over, and the College Football season is quickly approaching. The Louisville Cardinals had a solid offseason, as they addressed their offensive concerns with some significant additions.

Louisville football added two wide receivers, including North Carolina State transfer Dacari Collins, who added much-needed depth. Also worth noting was Louisville securing commitments from three tight ends and a couple of defensive players to improve these skilled positions.

Louisville showcased some upside in its annual Spring Game. However, the Cards' were ranked No. 20 in the nation in ESPN's way-too-early rankings before and after the spring transfer portal and Spring Game, and Louisville dropped in ESPN's rankings.

Louisville football jumped by ACC rival in updated post-spring Top 25

Louisville football was recently ranked as high as No. 16 by USA Today, as this Miller Moss and Isaac Brown Cardinals offense has high expectations to run the ACC. The Cardinals' offense is a glaring reason this squad can win the ACC and make a push for the College Football Playoffs, but ESPN appears to view less of Louisville after the Spring Game and the transfer portal.

ESPN dropped Louisville two spots, as the Cardinals are now ranked No. 22 in their post-spring way-too-early rankings. Penn State took the No. 1 spot, and then Clemson jumped up five spots to No. 2. The Tigers have the best odds to win the ACC at +145.

The ACC has just four teams represented in ESPN's rankings, and the Cardinals are now the last team ranked to represent the conference. Miami jumped the Cardinals, as the Hurricanes went from No. 23 to No. 21, and SMU stayed at No. 15.

"After a season full of near misses in 2024, Cardinals coach Jeff Brohm is rolling with another transfer quarterback this season. Moss started nine games at USC before losing the job in 2024; he threw for 3,469 yards with 27 touchdowns in his career there. The good news for Moss is he'll join an offense with Brown, one of the best tailbacks in the FBS, and a receiver corps that includes Bell and Caullin Lacy, who sat out most of last season after breaking his collarbone."
Mark Schlabach

""The Cardinals might have to score a lot of points because their defense is probably going to be a work in progress. There were big losses up front, although leading tacklers Quinn and Clark are returning. Louisville added a few defensive backs from the portal to also rebuild the back end.""
Mark Schlabach

Louisville is coming off a 9-4 record from last season, and is currently projected to play in the Gator Bowl against Oklahoma. Louisville hopes to shock the country and make a push for the College Football Playoffs, but as noted by Schlabach, their defense is their biggest concern.

The Cardinals will have one of the best offenses in the nation, but it will most likely come down to whether their defense can get the needed stops. Jeff Brohm and his Cars' first game is on Aug. 30 against Eastern Kentucky from L&N Stadium.

For all the latest on Louisville football's offseason, stay tuned.