Louisville basketball is finally back. After a long-awaited offseason, the Cardinals return to the hardwood ranked No. 11 in the AP Top 25 poll.
The Cardinals are projected to be one of the best and most exciting teams in college basketball this season. The program and fan base have been waiting for this team to hit the court since the final buzzer last season. With multiple transfers and incoming freshmen, this will be a new look for Louisville basketball. Their first test comes against the Kansas Jayhawks.
How to watch Kansas vs Louisville basketball
Louisville will tip off Friday, Oct. 24, at 7:30 p.m. local time at the KFC Yum! Center. The exhibition will air on ACC Network and can be streamed on FuboTV with a subscription.
Series History
These two teams are unfamiliar with each other as they head into this exhibition. Their last matchup took place in 1993. Kansas holds the head-to-head series history lead at 6-5. While Friday night's game is just an exhibition game, the Cardinals and Jayhawks fans will learn a lot about their teams for the upcoming season. Both fan bases have high hopes heading into the 2025-26 season, making this one of the most anticipated preseason showdowns of the season.
Prediction
The newcomers are expected to take over and be the stars for Louisville. Head coach Pat Kelsey will want to showcase his new talent, which has been the talk of the town for months.
Freshman guard Mikel Brown Jr. will look to show glimpses of what he brings to the table this year. Playing time has not been announced, but Brown Jr. should have enough minutes to show why he’s been so highly regarded. After Brown Jr., the Cardinals' faithful will have all eyes on the three transfers making their debut, as well as Sananda Fru.
The KFC Yum! The center is going to be jam-packed, and the nation will see just how excited this fan base is for the upcoming season. While it is just an exhibition game, it promises to be a fascinating matchup. Look for Louisville to build momentum heading into the regular season and secure a win over the Jayhawks.
What's next for Louisville
Louisville will host Bucknell on Oct. 28 at the KFC Yum! Center in their final exhibition game. The Cards will open its regular season against South Carolina State on Monday, Nov. 3, at 9 p.m. local time at the KFC Yum! Center.