The Louisville Cardinals are heading into the postseason with plenty to celebrate - and not just their on-field success. Eleven players from this year’s squad have been named to the 2025 All-ACC Football Team, a testament to the depth and talent that’s powered their strong campaign.
Chris Bell Leads the Way
Let’s start with wide receiver Chris Bell, who earned a well-deserved spot on the All-ACC First Team. Bell was the Cardinals’ go-to guy all season, and he delivered in a big way.
Before an injury cut his year short, the senior hauled in 72 catches for 917 yards and six touchdowns across 11 games - all career highs. He was fourth in the conference in both receptions and touchdowns, and fifth in receiving yards.
Bell had a knack for showing up when it mattered most. His 12-catch, 170-yard, two-touchdown performance against Virginia was a highlight reel in itself, and he followed that up with 10 catches for 135 yards and a score against Pittsburgh. A true playmaker, Bell gave defensive backs fits all year and leaves behind a legacy as one of the most productive receivers in recent program history.
Rene Konga Anchors the Defensive Front
Defensive tackle Rene Konga earned second-team honors in his final season, and it’s easy to see why. The veteran from Ottawa was a steady force on a Louisville defense that enters the postseason ranked 15th nationally.
Konga posted a career-best 29 tackles, with 5.0 of those behind the line of scrimmage and 1.5 sacks. He also led the team with six pass breakups - a rare stat for an interior lineman that speaks to his awareness and ability to disrupt passing lanes.
Third-Team Standouts: Brown, Lacy, Ranvier, Lubin, and Quinn
On the third team, running back Isaac Brown made the cut for a second straight year - and even with three missed games, his impact was undeniable. Brown racked up 782 rushing yards and five touchdowns, averaging a blistering 8.6 yards per carry.
He eclipsed 100 yards in five different games, including a jaw-dropping 205-yard outing in a win over Boston College. When Brown gets a crease, he’s gone - and few backs in the country can match that kind of explosiveness.
Caullin Lacy made the third team as an all-purpose player, and it’s no stretch to say he was one of the most electric return men in the nation this year. Lacy averaged 20.0 yards per punt return - good for third in the country - and was one of just five players with multiple punt return touchdowns.
He made history by becoming the first Cardinal ever to take two punts of 75+ yards to the house in a single season. As a receiver, he chipped in 54 catches for 547 yards and two scores, earning him an honorable mention nod at that position as well.
Placekicker Cooper Ranvier stepped into the starting role this year and didn’t miss a beat. He went 21-of-24 on field goal attempts, tying the school record for makes in a season.
Ranvier showed off his leg strength too, hitting six of seven from beyond 40 yards and drilling a pair from over 50. That kind of consistency and range is a dream for any coaching staff, especially in tight games.
Defensive end Clev Lubin was a tone-setter on the edge, leading the defense with 11.5 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks. He capped off the regular season in dominant fashion, notching three tackles for loss and two sacks in the 41-0 shutout of Kentucky. Lubin plays with relentless energy and has become a cornerstone of Louisville’s defensive identity.
Linebacker TJ Quinn, meanwhile, continues to be the heartbeat of the defense. For the third straight year, he led the team in tackles - this time with 87 through 12 games.
He posted four double-digit tackle games and was named ACC Linebacker of the Week three times. Quinn’s instincts and leadership have made him the glue of this unit.
Honorable Mentions: Depth and Consistency Across the Roster
The Cardinals also had five players earn honorable mention recognition, highlighting just how balanced and deep this roster is.
Offensive linemen Lance Robinson and Pete Nygra started every game this season, anchoring a line that helped the team average over 160 rushing yards per game and score 23 touchdowns on the ground. Just as important, they kept the quarterback clean, allowing only 23 sacks all year. That kind of protection and push up front is the unsung foundation of any successful offense.
Linebacker Antonio Watts made his presence felt despite missing the final two games. He led the team with three interceptions and added 42 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss. His ability to both drop into coverage and shoot gaps made him a versatile weapon in the middle of the field.
Cornerback Tayon Holloway also earned a nod after a strong finish to the season. He recorded 40 tackles and notched his first two career interceptions in the rivalry win over Kentucky. That kind of performance in a high-stakes game is exactly what coaches look for in a young corner.
A Reflection of a Strong Season
This wave of All-ACC selections is more than just a list of individual accolades - it’s a reflection of a program that’s built something real. From explosive playmakers to trench warriors and defensive anchors, Louisville’s roster is stacked with talent that’s been developed, tested, and proven throughout the season.
As the Cardinals head into postseason play, they do so with a group that’s earned respect across the conference - and with a foundation that looks ready to keep building.