It’s football time in the Bluegrass! We are just 11 days away from kickoff at L&N Stadium, where the Louisville Cardinals will take on the Eastern Kentucky Colonels on August 30. Excitement is building as Jeff Brohm enters his third season as the Cardinals’ head coach, looking to compete not only for an ACC Championship, but also for a potential College Football Playoff (CFP) berth.
If Brohm makes it to Charlotte this season, it would be his second trip to the ACC Championship in three years as head coach of the Cardinals. With the addition of former USC quarterback Miller Moss, and the return of key playmakers such as Isaac Brown, Duke Watson, and Caullin Lacy, Louisville is primed for another run at its first-ever ACC title and CFP appearance.
Below is a week-by-week look at the Cardinals’ 2025 schedule and predictions:
Week 1: vs. Eastern Kentucky – August 30
The Cardinals open their 2025 campaign against in-state opponent Eastern Kentucky at L&N Stadium. While the Colonels are a respected FCS program, the talent gap is significant. EKU brings offensive playmakers in RB Brayden Latham and WR Marcus Calwise Jr., both capable of producing highlight plays. However, facing Louisville’s defensive front and secondary depth will be a tall order.
Expect Jeff Brohm to use this game to establish balance between the run and passing attacks and even giving some of the younger players valuable game reps. Defensively, Ron English’s unit should look to dominate early and set the tone for the season.
Prediction: Louisville 49, EKU 7
Week 2: vs. James Madison – September 5
Louisville’s second game of the season comes on a Friday night in primetime against the James Madison Dukes; a team projected to win the Sun Belt and potentially contend for a New Year’s Six Bowl. The Dukes have quickly built a national reputation as a Group of Five power, and this matchup has been circled on their calendar for months.
JMU’s offense has the firepower to keep things interesting, and the national stage on ESPN2 will give them extra motivation. However, their defense has holes, particularly in the secondary, that Louisville’s passing game can exploit. Jeff Brohm will likely look to spread the ball around, forcing JMU to keep up in a shootout. With the home crowd behind them and Brohm’s offensive firepower, the Cardinals should pull away with this one.
Prediction: Louisville 35, James Madison 20
Week 4: vs. Bowling Green – September 20
After a bye week, Louisville returns to action against Bowling Green. The Falcons, led by first-year head coach Eddie George, are in the early stages of a rebuild. While George brings star power and leadership, his roster will likely struggle to match up against a top-tier ACC team.
Louisville’s offense, especially Isaac Brown and Duke Watson, should find plenty of success against Bowling Green’s defensive front. The key for Jeff Brohm’s squad will be maintaining focus and discipline after a week off, making sure they come out sharp before the start of the ACC grind. Expect a big win at home.
Prediction: Louisville 45, Bowling Green 10
Week 5: @ Pittsburgh – September 27
The first true test of the season comes in Week 5 as Louisville travels to Pittsburgh for its first ACC matchup of the year. The Panthers have given Louisville problems in the past, including a stunning upset in Jeff Brohm’s debut season. Pitt’s offense features QB Eli Holstein and RB Desmond Reid, who form a tough one-two punch that can challenge defenses on the ground and through the air.
Pittsburgh will rely on its physical style of play, something Louisville must be prepared for. The Cards’ defensive line and linebackers will be tested against Reid’s running ability, while Holstein’s arm could stretch the field. This game may stay close deep, but Brohm’s team should find a way to grind out a win on the road.
Prediction: Louisville 28, Pittsburgh 21
Week 6: vs. Virginia – October 4
Louisville returns home to host Virginia in its second conference matchup. The Cavaliers have been active in the transfer portal, bringing in 31 new players, including QB Chandler Morris, who will look to stabilize the offense. Head coach Tony Elliott, however, enters the season under significant pressure after compiling just 11 wins in his first three years in Charlottesville.
While Virginia has upgraded its talent, the roster lacks the cohesion and experience to compete with a top ACC contender on the road. Expect Louisville to attack UVA’s rebuilt defense with a balanced game plan, while the Cardinals’ pass rush works to rattle Morris in the pocket. The Cards dominate their conference opponent.
Prediction: Louisville 38, Virginia 14
Week 8: @ Miami – October 17
After another bye, Louisville travels to Hard Rock Stadium for a highly anticipated Friday night showdown against Miami in what could be a battle of unbeatens. Miami replaces Cam Ward with Georgia transfer Carson Beck, giving the Hurricanes an experienced leader who has proven himself at the highest level.
Miami’s overall talent level makes them one of the most dangerous teams Louisville will face. Their defensive front will try to limit Louisville’s run game and put pressure on Moss, while their speed at receiver will test the Cards’ secondary. The atmosphere will be electric, and this game may swing on turnovers or a single big play late. Louisville finds a way to earn revenge for last season’s loss.
Prediction: Louisville 38, Miami 35
Week 9: vs. Boston College – October 25
Fresh off a massive win, Louisville must avoid a trap game when Boston College visits L&N Stadium. Under head coach Bill O’Brien, the Eagles showed competitiveness in year one, and they return several dangerous playmakers. QB Dylan Lonergan, an Alabama transfer, has the arm to stretch defenses vertically, and WR Lewis Bond is a proven weapon.
BC’s defense, anchored by leaders such as Max Tucker and KP Price, will try to slow Louisville’s explosive offense. This matchup could be closer than many expect, especially if the Cardinals show signs of a letdown after Miami. However, with Brohm’s ability to adjust and a home crowd behind them, Louisville should find a way to escape with a win.
Prediction: Louisville 28, Boston College 24
Week 10: @ Virginia Tech – November 1
One of the toughest road environments in the ACC awaits Louisville in Week 10 at Lane Stadium. Virginia Tech projects as a middle-of-the-pack team, but QB Kyron Drones’ dual-threat ability and the addition of RB Terion Stewart make them a dangerous opponent.
The Hokies’ question mark is their offensive line, which will need to hold up against Louisville’s defensive front. This matchup could be a defining moment for the Cards’ defensive line, which will be tasked with containing Drones while also limiting explosive runs. If Louisville can control the line of scrimmage, their depth and firepower on offense should carry them through.
Prediction: Louisville 31, Virginia Tech 21
Week 11: vs. California – November 8
Back at home, Louisville hosts Cal, which is projected as a middle-tier team in its first season in the ACC. The Golden Bears lost star RB Jaydn Ott and several key defensive starters, leaving true freshman QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele to carry the offense. While Sagapolutele has long-term potential, making a start against a defense like Louisville’s in a hostile environment will be a major challenge.
Louisville’s defense should control the pace of this game, forcing turnovers and keeping the Bears off balance. Expect Moss and the Cardinals’ offense to use this game to re-establish rhythm heading into the season’s most important stretch.
Prediction: Louisville 35, California 14
Week 12: vs. Clemson – November 14
This is the game everyone has been waiting for. Clemson comes to Louisville for a Friday night primetime clash on ESPN, and both teams could be undefeated with top-10 rankings. Clemson is loaded with talent, led by Heisman contender QB Cade Klubnik, who has three elite receivers in Antonio Williams, Bryant Wesco Jr., and TJ Moore. Combine that with one of the nation’s best offensive lines and a top 25 defense, the Tigers are preseason favorites to win the ACC.
Louisville stunned Clemson last season in Death Valley, and Brohm will have his team ready again. This one has all the makings of a classic. Expect a shootout where both offenses shine, but in the end, Louisville rides the energy of a sold-out stadium to pull off another monumental victory to stat undefeated.
Prediction: Louisville 45, Clemson 42
Week 13: @ SMU – November 22
After such an emotional win over Clemson, Louisville faces a dangerous road trip to SMU. The Mustangs are expected to contend for the ACC Championship themselves, and with QB Kevin Jennings Jr. and TE RJ Maryland leading the way, their offense can challenge anyone. Maryland, in particular, gave Louisville’s defense fits last season with six catches for 83 yards.
The timing of this game makes it especially difficult, coming directly after Clemson. Add in the fact that it will likely be SMU’s Senior Day. While Louisville has the talent to win, this feels like the spot where they stumble. The Cards lose to the Mustangs for the second year in a row.
Prediction: SMU 31, Louisville 28
Week 14: vs. Kentucky – November 29
Rivalry Week caps the regular season as Louisville hosts Kentucky at L&N Stadium. Jeff Brohm understands the magnitude of this matchup and had his team prepared last year in Lexington, where they delivered a dominant performance. This season, the Wildcats bring in transfer QB Zach Calzada and RB Dante Dowdell, but questions remain about who finish the season at QB, along with their defense.
With Louisville coming off a tough loss, the Cardinals will be locked in and eager to finish strong. Isaac Brown should be a matchup nightmare for Kentucky’s defense, while Chris Bell’s physicality could set the tone in the passing game. Rivalry games can always surprise, but Louisville has too much talent and too much motivation to let this one slip.
Prediction: Louisville 35, Kentucky 17
Final Projection
The Cardinals finish the regular season 11–1, securing a spot in the ACC Championship Game and keeping their College Football Playoff hopes alive. In the ACC Championship, the Louisville Cardinals will have a rematch against the Clemson Tigers. In this rematch, I think the Tigers are too much for the Cards, beating the Cards and winning the ACC Championship.
Go Cards. Let’s play football.
Cody Williams
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