Louisville Cardinals 2024 Season Outlook: Embracing a Promising New Era with Coach Jeff Brohm
Louisville, KY - As the 2024 season dawns, the Louisville Cardinals football team, under the leadership of head coach Jeff Brohm, is poised for another double-digit win season. Entering his second season, Brohm is determined to build on the momentum from the previous season and lead the Cardinals to new heights in the ACC. The team's depth and versatility promise exciting gameplay and strategic prowess. Fans are eagerly awaiting the season, filled with optimism and high expectations for the Cardinals to make a significant impact and compete for a top spot in the conference.
Offensive Preview:
The seventh-year quarterback, Tyler Shough comes in to lead the Cardinal offense this season. When healthy, he can absolutely sling the rock and is an upgrade to Jack Plummer. Their transfer class is loaded with offensive talent with guys like Ja'Corey Brooks from Alabama, and Donald Chaney Jr. from Miami. After playing in the ACC Title game in his first season as head coach, Jeff Brohm will stick to his run-and-gun game plan in hopes of returning another 10+ win season.
Defensive Preview:
This defense is going to be one of the best in the ACC. The secondary is filled with experience and elite athleticism and they will be able to shut down opposing wide receivers. They have a ton of returning players throughout the defense and have a few transfers coming in that will boost quarterback pressures. Having your leading tackler returning along with your leading sacks leader, this squad is going to be a nightmare to face against.
Top Returning Players:
Ashton Gillotte DE - After finishing with 11.5 sacks a season ago, he finished in second place in the ACC Defensive Player of the Year voting. He also had 14.5 tackles for loss. The Cardinals’ pass rusher should continue wrecking opposing backfields.
Quincy Riley CB - Riley had a phenomenal junior season and NFL scouts were a little surprised he didn’t enter his name into the NFL Draft. He was an All-ACC Honorable Mention and will be heavily relied upon in his senior season.
Devin Neal S - In his first season, last year, as a Cardinal he was awarded third-team All-ACC honors. He led the team with four interceptions and finished second on the team in tackles.
TJ Quinn LB - Quinn is returning as the team's leading tackler. He also earned an All-ACC Honorable Mention for his playmaking on defense. The veteran leader will look to captain this strong defense.
Top Incoming Transfers:
Ja’Corey Brooks WR - Brooks struggled to make his mark at Alabama even though he is a former five-star and second-highest-rated wide receiver in his recruiting class. His reputation alone should give him a starting job and the targets will flow his way.
Tyler Shough QB - Shough will step in to fill Jack Plummer’s shoes to lead the offense. This will be Shough’s final year of eligibility after spending the last three seasons at Texas Tech. He can sling the rock as long as he can remain healthy.
Caullin Lacy WR - Lacy will likely replace the production of the wide receivers that left the Cardinals. Transferring from South Alabama, Lacy has produced over 2,500 receiving yards in four years. In his fifth year of college football, Lacy will make a name for himself this upcoming season.
These are just three of the incoming transfers as On3 has Louisville ranked as the number two transfer class.
Top Incoming Freshman:
Joseph "JoJo" Stone WR - Stone is another elite athlete going to join this Cardinals offense. The five-foot and 11-inch, 180-pound wide receiver decided to enroll early to get acclimated with the program, which could give him an advantage in some early playing time. He’s a four-star recruit so he has the talent to compete right away.
Top Departures:
Jawhar Jordan RB - Jordan was a huge piece of the Louisville offense a season ago. He totaled 1,374 yards from scrimmage and 14 total touchdowns.
Isaac Guerendo RB - Guerendo was also a large piece of the offense and the return game. He surpassed the 1,000 yards from scrimmage margin and scored 11 touchdowns.
Jamari Thrash WR - He led the Cardinals with 63 receptions, 34 more than the next closest receiver. He also had almost 500 more receiving yards than the next closest player. Without a doubt, the Cardinals will miss him as a safety valve.
Under-the-Radar Players (Sleepers):
Jaleel Skinner TE - The transfer from Miami only recorded 10 receptions for 138 yards in his time there but has the athleticism to be much more dangerous. The six-foot and five-inch, 225 lb tight end is originally from Greer, SC, and will provide a boost to an already talented tight end room.
Win Total Prediction:
The Cardinals’ over/under win total is listed as 8.5. I am really high on the Cardinals this season so my prediction will be to take the over 8.5 win. They have the 13th-ranked easiest schedule in the ACC, according to 247sports. I can say with confidence they can beat Austin Peay, Jacksonville State. Georgia Tech, at Virginia, at Boston College, at Stanford, Pittsburgh, and at Kentucky. Georgia Tech is going to be a scary opponent. Boston College can’t be taken lightly either due to its competitive history. Louisville would then only need one win at Notre Dame, SMU, Miami, or at Clemson. I believe the Cardinals will get it done and have another successful season.
