2024 Louisville Cardinals Season Preview

The Cardinals return to the field after three consecutive seasons of nine‑or‑more victories, and coach Jeff Brohm says the program is focused on building on that momentum. A 11‑game Power Four schedule sits at the top of Louisville’s priorities, highlighted by a Sunday‑night opener against Ole Miss in Nashville. The Rebels finished the previous campaign with a 13‑win record, a top‑ranked quarterback and a premier running back, setting up an early test of Brohm’s squad.

Power Four Slate and ACC Parity

Louie’s 11 Power Four opponents are more than just a difficult stretch—they’re a statement about the ACC’s confidence. “The ACC plays more Power Four opponents than anyone in the country,” Brohm noted, pointing to a campaign where the Cardinals outperformed expectations with a winning record against those giants. Interconference games against LSU and Clemson, plus the Ole Miss clash, give fans a clear picture of where the conference stands on the national stage.

The parity inside the ACC was evident last year when Miami arrived “one play away from winning the title.” Brohm believes the league’s competitive balance forces every team to bring its best week in and week out. That “great parity” is a double‑edged sword: it makes every conference game feel like a playoff atmosphere.

New Offensive Coordinator Joins the Fold

The offseason saw a high‑profile hire when former South Alabama offensive coordinator Paul Petrino was brought in. “He loves football, loves to compete, wants to win,” Brohm said, emphasizing that Petrino’s familiarity with Louisville’s system and his son Mason’s role on the receivers’ unit make the addition seamless. Petrino’s first duties will be working with the tight ends and shaping game‑plan details throughout the week.

Lincoln Kienholz’s Quest for the Starting Job

Ohio State transfer Lincoln Kienholz arrived with a reputation for being “hungry” and eager to prove himself after sitting out several seasons. “When we studied Lincoln, we liked what we saw on video. He was highly recruited,” Brohm explained, noting the quarterback’s ability to run, extend plays and throw on the move. Kienholz’s high‑school pedigree includes breaking South Dakota’s all‑time passing record, a fact he cited as a foundation for his college aspirations.

Inside the locker room, Lincoln praised Brohm’s belief: “That belief that he had in me was something that kind of stuck with me.” Coaches see the résumé as more than just talent—“He’s a great teammate. I think he’s ready for this challenge,” they said. The quarterback’s comfort with the playbook, described as “starting to be like a second language,” signals a smooth integration into the offense.

Running Game Takes Shape

Isaac Brown returns as the anchor of the backfield after battling injuries, and the staff is committed to protecting his workload. “Isaac has proven his durability. Working hard in the off‑season was a goal of his,” Brohm observed. Backup options—Keyjuan Brown, transfer Marquise Davis (formerly of Missouri) and Braxton Jennings, who earned a starring role against Kentucky—provide depth and keep defenses guessing.

The coaching staff also acknowledges that “we’ve got to be better at throwing the ball vertically up the field, off of play‑action.” This adjustment aims to stretch defenses and give the running backs more space, ensuring the ground attack remains a focal point of Louisville’s offensive identity.

Defensive Leadership Comes From Within

Clev Lubin, a New York product with Army Prep experience, has become the voice of the defense. “No matter what’s going on on the other side of the ball, let everyone know you can trust in us,” he declared, highlighting a culture built on accountability and resilience. Lubin’s journey—from a public‑school background to a Power Four program—mirrors the Cardinals’ broader recruitment philosophy.

His emphasis on being “the reason we win games” resonated throughout the squad, especially after a couple of heartbreaking conference losses. “We have a lot of selfless guys on the team this year,” he said, suggesting that the next step for Louisville is to close out games with the same intensity it displays in the first half.

Offensive Line Continuity with a Fresh Face

Lance Robinson, the versatile offensive lineman, has overseen the line’s transition under new coach Dale Williams. “The process hasn’t been difficult at all. I commend those guys up front that have come in,” Robinson noted, crediting the newcomers’ buy‑in to the program. Williams, familiar from the 2023 campaign, “simplifies the game for us so we can play fast, play physical, dominate the line of scrimmage.”

Robinson’s ability to fill any of the five interior spots gives Brohm flexibility in the face of injuries, a trait the staff values highly. “You have a group of protectors on the field that’s ready to lay their life on the line,” he assured the running backs, signaling that the O‑line is primed to create running lanes and protect Lincoln Kienholz’s passing windows.

What Lies Ahead for the Cardinals

Getting back to the ACC championship and potentially the College Football Playoff will require consistency. “We have to finish every game,” Lubin stressed, adding that “starting fast” is essential after a tough non‑conference opener. With a mix of seasoned veterans, blue‑chip transfers and homegrown talent—players like Tyler, Jack and Miller who have already made an impact—Louisville looks set to compete for a spot atop the conference.

Brohm’s mantra about “doing all the small things” and “putting in the work” captures the underlying philosophy. If the Cardinals can pair that meticulous approach with the physical competitiveness already evident on the practice field, the next season could mark the break‑through year the program has been building toward.