⚡ CFB Dashboard

CardinalAuthority's two preseason projections both place Louisville at 10-2, with that record expected to keep the Cardinals in the ACC Championship and College Football Playoff races.

The schedule's decisive opening stretch features top-10 Ole Miss in Week 1 and SMU in Week 3, while Louisville avoids ACC preseason favorite Miami during the regular season.

Louisville's projected ceiling is 11-1 to 12-0 because of its talent, size and depth, with a 3-0 start viewed as the point at which an undefeated run becomes realistic.

The projected floor is 7-5 to 8-4 if the rebuilt offensive line struggles and the passing game around Lincoln Kienholz develops slowly, especially if Louisville drops the early Ole Miss and SMU games.

Louisville is 11-8 in one-score games under Jeff Brohm and remains a narrow favorite in several 2026 matchups, adding volatility to a roster viewed as strong on both sides of the ball.