Louisville Cardinals Football

The Louisville Cardinals football team represents the University of Louisville in college football programs. This football program has been associated with the Atlantic Coast Conference since 2013. The Cardinals mainly play in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

With their home games hosted at Cardinal Stadium, the team enjoys strong support from fans who fill the stands with Cardinal red. The program has seen notable successes, including bowl games in 2016 and made a name for 8 conference championships.

Throughout all seasons, the team was guided under twenty-four honorable head coaches. For now, Jeff Brohm is the 24th head coach of the team, whose experience draws the team towards winning multiple accolades. To know the rich history of the Cardinals, join us as we delve deeper into the thrilling world of Louisville Cardinals football.

Louisville Cardinals Football Introduction

The Louisville Cardinals football program, established in 1912, represents the University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky. The team competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and plays its home games at the iconic L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Led by head coach Jeff Brohm, the Cardinals have a rich history of success in collegiate football, boasting eight conference titles, including two in the Missouri Valley Conference, three in Conference USA, and three in the Big East.

The Cardinals' home stadium, equipped with FieldTurf, provides a vibrant atmosphere for fans to support their team as they strive for victory on the field. Louie The Cardinal Bird serves as the beloved mascot. The team's fight song, "Fight! UofL," echoes throughout the stadium, while playing the games.

The Louisville Cardinals football program’s excellence on the field includes seven Consensus All-Americans, one Heisman winner trophy and eight conference titles. The team competes head-to-head rivals with Cincinnati, Kentucky, and Memphis.

Louisville Cardinals Football History

The University of Louisville Cardinals football program began in 1912, boasting a commendable 3–1 record in its inaugural season. Initially, the team comprised mostly medical students who competed at the club level. By 1914, they joined the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAA), later participating in the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (KIAC).

Over the years, the Cardinals transitioned through various conferences, including the Ohio Valley Conference, Missouri Valley Conference, Conference USA, Big East, American Athletic Conference, and presently the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Their illustrious history includes eight conference championships as 2 Missouri Valley Conference, 3 Conference USA, and 3 Big East.

Intense rivalries with Cincinnati, Kentucky, and Memphis have fueled their competitive spirit, while their impressive records and bowl appearances underscore their consistent performance on the field.

Louisville Cardinals Football Coach

Head coach Jeff Brohm, a distinguished collegiate and professional football figure, leads the Louisville Cardinals football program. Brohm, a former quarterback, played for the Louisville Cardinals during his college years under the mentorship of coach Howard Schnellenberger from 1989 to 1993. His experience as a player in the National Football League (NFL) for seven seasons and in the XFL in 2001 provided him with invaluable insights into the game.

Brohm's coaching journey began at Western Kentucky University, where he served as the head football coach from 2014 to 2016 before transitioning to Purdue University from 2017 to 2022. His return to his alma mater, the University of Louisville, as head coach in 2023 marked a homecoming for the esteemed leader.

Louisville Cardinals Football Stadium: L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium

The Louisville Cardinals football team calls L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium home, a venue that underwent significant transformations over the years. Originally known as Cardinal Stadium, it was renamed in 2023.

Constructed in 1998 with a capacity of 42,000, the stadium received a major overhaul in 2010, costing $72 million. This renovation included an elevated south-end terrace, additional suites and club seats, and more chairback seats, boosting capacity to over 55,000.

Further expansion in 2018 added 5,800 seats, bringing total capacity to 60,800. Cardinal Stadium boasts a rich history, hosting its 20th season of Cardinal football in 2017. The team has enjoyed considerable success at home, with a strong record of 70–25 since 1998. Notably, the Cardinals achieved undefeated home seasons in 2001 and 2006, and a 20-game winning streak at home from 2004 to 2007.

The stadium is a venue and home to the Howard Schnellenberger Football Complex, named after the former head coach. This complex houses various facilities, including coaching staff offices, training rooms, strength and conditioning areas, and academic services for student-athletes.

Louisville Cardinals Football Rivals

Cincinnati: The Keg of Nails

Louisville and Cincinnati have a long-standing football rivalry that started in 1929. Cincinnati initially dominated the series by winning the first 12 games, but Louisville secured its first victory in 1970.

The most recent matches between the two teams were in 2012 and 2013, both resulting in Louisville wins. After a break in 2013, the rivalry resumed in 2022 during the Fenway Bowl. Louisville's victory of 24–7 in that game helped them keep the Keg of Nails trophy, despite their former head coach Scott Satterfield leaving for Cincinnati shortly before the bowl.

Kentucky: Governor's Cup

Louisville's primary football rival is in-state adversary Kentucky, and their rivalry is commemorated through the Governor's Cup. Resumed in 1994 after a hiatus, the series gained momentum, especially following the Cardinals' move to the new Cardinal Stadium in 1997.

While Kentucky leads the overall series, Louisville has dominated the revived series since 1994. Notably, the game was moved to the end of the season in 2013, aligning with other end-of-year SEC vs. ACC showdowns. Through 2022, Kentucky leads the series.

Memphis

Louisville maintains a competitive rivalry with Memphis, which has spanned four different conferences since its inception in 1948. Although dormant since 2013, the series has seen spirited matchups, with Louisville leading through 2019.

Miami

The football rivalry between Louisville and Miami has historical significance, dating back to 1933. With 16 encounters, the series intensified when Louisville joined the ACC in 2014. The programs share a connection through coach Howard Schnellenberger, who revitalized both teams. In 2023, a trophy honoring Schnellenberger was introduced and awarded to the game's winner. Despite Miami leading the series, the rivalry remains fiercely contested.

Louisville Cardinals Football Record and stats

The Louisville Cardinals football team boasts a storied history marked by notable achievements and records. With a total of 8 conference championships, including 3 in the Big East Conference, the Cardinals have demonstrated their prowess on the field. Additionally, they have clinched division titles and consistently maintained a competitive edge in their conference. With a bowl record of 12–13–1 and numerous accolades to their name, the Cardinals continue to strive for excellence, leaving a lasting impact on college football.

Conference championships

Division championships

Louisville Cardinals Football Roster

The Louisville Cardinals Football team boasts a diverse roster, blending experienced seniors with promising freshmen.

Offense

Defense

Louisville Cardinals Football Schedule

The Louisville Cardinals Football team has an exciting lineup for the upcoming season.