Louisville’s ACC hopes got a notable stamp of approval this week from CBS Sports college football analyst Brad Crawford, who put the Cardinals in a very small group of real conference title threats.
That kind of attention fits the way Louisville has attacked the offseason. Jeff Brohm’s team brought in more than 32 transfer commitments from the Transfer Portal, including multiple 4-star transfers, while Brohm and Vince Marrow also managed to keep key pieces in place. Isaac Brown, Antonio Watts, AJ Green, Stanquan Clark and other important returners are back, giving Louisville a roster that looks far deeper and more complete than it did a year ago.
Crawford said Louisville belongs in the ACC title conversation alongside Miami and SMU, and he made clear how strongly he feels about the Cardinals.
"Back-to-back impressive years from Jeff Brohm. He has been able to do it in the Transfer Portal as well.
Louisville has a lot of resources toward talent acquisition, and he has always had solid quarterback play. I think Louisville's schedule this season sets up for a high-end finish in the conference.
Louisville is one of the three teams I think that has a chance to win the ACC, including Miami, my preseason ACC No. 1, and SMU. So, I am super high on Louisville, and I think the addition of Lincoln Kienholz at quarterback is huge from Ohio State.
And then Isaac Brown, a 1,000-yard running back who is one of the best ball carriers in the country."
Brad Crawford
Louisville is one of only three teams I think could win the ACC this season.
Buy stock on the 'Cards now.
🔗 : https://t.co/Px2U96y9T3 pic.twitter.com/sKABZY39uw
- Brad Crawford (@BCrawford247) July 14, 2026
Brohm’s track record is part of why Louisville is drawing this kind of buzz. In his first season with the Cardinals, he guided them to the ACC Championship Game, and now he’s entering Year 4 with expectations that are much bigger than simply being competitive. Louisville also handed him a contract extension after he drew interest from Michigan, Penn State and LSU.
The resume already has some loud wins on it. Louisville upset No.
2 Miami on the road last season, beat Clemson the year before and knocked off Notre Dame in Brohm’s first year. The next step is putting all of that together over a full season.
The schedule gives Louisville a real path. The Cardinals avoid Miami, Clemson and Virginia, and that only adds to the sense that this could be the year they finally turn talent and momentum into a run at the ACC crown.
The first AP Poll will be released in mid-August, but Crawford’s message was already clear: Louisville is not just in the mix. It has a legitimate shot to win the league and chase its first College Football Playoff berth.
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