Louisville football is trending towards the top of the ACC in 2026. The Cardinals had an eye-popping offseason after Louisville landed 31 commitments from the Transfer Portal, ranking them in the top five of On3 Sports Transfer Portal rankings.
Jeff Brohm now has this team trending toward competing for the program's first ACC Title, as Louisville is ranked in multiple way-too-early top 25 rankings, including as high as No. 14 in ESPN’s. The Cardinals have the roster and coaching staff to compete for that title, and if all goes according to plan, this Cardinals team should be competing for their first berth in the College Football Playoffs in 2026.
While the playoff format is set to be 12 teams next season, it has been a hot topic what the format should look like moving forward. One SEC coach reportedly said he thinks 24 teams make the most sense, and if that ever happens, it is hard for Louisville fans not to raise their expectations to being CFP contenders every season.
Related: Way-too-early Louisville football 2026 game-by-game predictions
Josh Heupel’s CFP stance could be a game-changer for Louisville football
The Tennessee Volunteers' head coach, Josh Heupel, reportedly “prefers a 24-team playoff format” over the 12-team format, according to On3 Sports. Whether fans agree or disagree with Heupel, the fact remains that Louisville would emerge as a serious College Football Playoff contender.
NEW: Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel tells @Clowfb that he prefers a 24-team playoff format🏆
— On3 (@On3) March 2, 2026
"The way college football is constantly changing, that probably makes the most sense."
Exclusive: https://t.co/aL4kZfDNvn pic.twitter.com/gzRzy7npq2
Now, expanding the format to 24 teams is a hot topic among college football fans, as many believe it would take the pride and joy out of making the playoffs. However, this would help Louisville a lot. The ACC doesn’t get the respect it deserves, and with the Cardinals trending up as a program, there is a high chance Brohm has this program finishing in the top 25 for the majority of the years.
The Cardinals have what it takes to compete and make it in the 12-team format, as some experts already predict Louisville will return to Charlotte for the ACC Championship game this season. But if the playoffs expand to 24 teams, Louisville's chances skyrocket, and this program should be a College Football Playoff contender every season.
Related: Best-case scenario for the Louisville football team in 2026
For all the latest news and updates on Louisville football's 2025 season and recruiting, stay tuned.