Louisville Faces Roster Shuffle Ahead of Boca Raton Bowl Clash with Toledo
As Louisville gears up for its Boca Raton Bowl matchup against Toledo on December 23, head coach Jeff Brohm finds himself navigating one of the most challenging stretches of the season - and not just because of the opponent. Between roster turnover, transfer portal activity, injuries, and bowl opt-outs, the Cardinals are managing a moving target as they prep for their final game of the year.
Let’s start with the biggest blow: wide receiver Chris Bell is out after reportedly tearing his ACL in the SMU game. Bell had emerged as a key piece in the Cardinals’ offense, and his absence leaves a noticeable void in the receiving corps. With bowl season often serving as a stage for younger players to step up, Louisville will be hoping someone can rise to the occasion in Bell’s absence.
On the defensive side, the Cardinals will be without two of their defensive backs - Daeh McCullough and Destin Cheirs - both of whom have entered the transfer portal and won’t suit up for the bowl game. Quarterback Brady Allen is also heading for the portal and won’t be available, thinning the depth behind starting quarterback Miller Moss.
Speaking of Moss, the USC transfer has confirmed he’ll play in the bowl game, despite the growing trend of draft-eligible players opting out of postseason matchups. Moss, who helped lead the Cardinals to a Governor’s Cup win over Kentucky, is choosing to finish the season with his teammates.
"It's your obligation to the guys you've worked year-round with to give everything you have regardless of how you're feeling," Moss said. "At the end of the day, I'm part of a much bigger group and I think the entire team's attitude throughout the year has been to battle through adversity when things haven't gone our way."
That mindset will be tested yet again in Boca Raton.
The Cardinals are still monitoring the status of three running backs - Isaac Brown, Keyjuan Brown, and Duke Watson - as they deal with injuries. Brohm said he's hopeful at least one of the trio will be available, though nothing is guaranteed at this point.
On top of the transfers and injuries, Louisville is also dealing with a growing list of bowl opt-outs. Defensive lineman Rene Konga has decided to sit out. A starter at defensive tackle this season, Konga totaled 29 tackles, five tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, six pass breakups, and two quarterback hurries - a productive season that now comes to an early end.
Joining him on the sidelines is edge rusher Wesley Bailey. The Rutgers transfer made an immediate impact in his first year with the Cardinals, finishing second on the team in sacks (six), while adding 39 tackles, seven for loss, and five quarterback hurries. His presence off the edge will be missed, especially against a Toledo team that thrives on offensive rhythm and ball control.
All of this creates a complicated puzzle for Brohm and his staff. Between managing a depleted roster, preparing younger players for bigger roles, and keeping an eye on recruiting with early signing day looming, December has become a full-court press off the field.
But if there’s one thing Louisville has shown all season, it’s resilience. The Cardinals have weathered injuries, tough losses, and midseason adversity to earn a spot in this bowl game. Now, it’s about finishing strong - with whoever is left in uniform.