Louisville Navigates Opt-Outs, Injuries Ahead of Boca Bowl Clash with Toledo
As Louisville gears up for its Dec. 23 showdown against Toledo in the Boca Raton Bowl, head coach Jeff Brohm and his team are managing a mix of roster changes, injury uncertainties, and the ever-evolving landscape of college football’s postseason.
Two key defensive starters-linemen Rene Konga and Wesley Bailey-have officially opted out of the bowl game, Brohm confirmed on Tuesday. Both were regular fixtures on the defensive front this season, and their absence will be felt against a Toledo offense that’s more than capable of testing a depleted unit.
Brohm acknowledged the challenge but struck a confident tone about the team’s preparation since returning to practice last week.
“It’s important that we finish strong,” he said. “We came ready to play the last game, which was great, and it’s important we do that again.”
That “last game” was a rivalry win over Kentucky in the Governor’s Cup, and quarterback Miller Moss-who led the Cardinals to that emotional victory-is back under center for one final ride. Moss, who’s healthy and committed to playing in what will be his last college game, made it clear that finishing the season alongside his teammates means everything.
“You never know when this football thing ends,” Moss said. “You invest so much time with this group, you want to finish it the right way.”
Moss isn’t the only one embracing the moment. Defensive end Clev Lubin, expected to start in the Boca Bowl, echoed that sentiment, reinforcing the team’s desire to close the season with purpose and pride.
Injuries, however, remain a subplot heading into the bowl. Brohm noted that several players-particularly at running back-are questionable, with game-time decisions likely. He’s “hopeful that one of the three” backs dealing with injuries will be available, but the final call won’t come until closer to kickoff.
Beyond the bowl game, Brohm also addressed the looming impact of the transfer portal. Defensive back Dash McCullough has already announced his intention to transfer, and quarterback Brady Allen is also expected to be on the move. Brohm acknowledged that while departures are part of the current college football climate, the program is focused on transparency and long-term development.
“We have honest conversations,” Brohm said. “Anyone who wants to opt out, we talk to them.
In my opinion, unless you're a first- or maybe second-round pick, it's not in your best interest to opt out. But we respect the decision.
We’ve had those conversations with our guys.”
He added that while the portal is a reality every program must deal with, the goal remains to retain players by building trust and showing a clear path forward.
“If you can be honest with your players, tell them where they stand, be up front with them, show them a plan for the future-they’ll want to come back,” Brohm said. “Sometimes there’ll be other factors, and it may or may not work out. We’ll do the best job we can and try to be as fair as we can.”
Louisville will hold its final practice Thursday before heading to Florida on Friday. The Boca Bowl kicks off at 2 p.m.
ET next Tuesday on ESPN. Both teams enter the matchup at 8-4, but Toledo brings one of the nation’s top-ranked defenses to the table-setting the stage for a compelling finish to the Cardinals’ season.
For Louisville, it’s not just about the win-it’s about closing the book on 2025 the right way.