The University of Louisville made a serious statement this afternoon when the ACC unveiled its 2025 All-Conference Football Team. Eleven Cardinals earned recognition across the first, second, third teams and honorable mentions - a testament to the depth and balance that’s powered their impressive season.
Chris Bell: The Go-To Guy
Let’s start at the top. Wide receiver Chris Bell was the lone Cardinal named to the All-ACC First Team, and it’s hard to argue with the selection.
Bell was Louisville’s top offensive weapon all year, and he put together the kind of season that turns heads - 72 catches, 917 yards, and six touchdowns in just 11 games. He not only led the team in every major receiving category, but he also ranked among the ACC’s best: fourth in receptions and touchdowns, fifth in receiving yards.
Bell had a knack for showing up in the biggest moments. His 12-catch, 170-yard, two-touchdown performance against Virginia was a clinic in route-running and physicality.
He followed that up with 10 grabs for 135 yards and a score against Pitt. Unfortunately, an injury cut his season short, but not before he firmly established himself as one of the conference’s elite pass catchers.
Rene Konga: Quiet Force in the Trenches
Defensive tackle Rene Konga earned second-team honors in his final year with the program. While his numbers don’t jump off the page - 29 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks - his impact on the Cardinals’ 15th-ranked defense was undeniable.
Konga was a disruptive force in the middle and led the team with six pass breakups, a rare stat for a defensive lineman. His ability to collapse the pocket and get his hands up in passing lanes made life difficult for opposing quarterbacks all season long.
Third-Team Standouts: Playmakers All Over the Field
The third-team selections were headlined by running back Isaac Brown, who earned all-conference honors for the second straight year. Brown missed three games but still managed to rush for 782 yards and five touchdowns, averaging a blistering 8.6 yards per carry. He had five 100-yard games, including a jaw-dropping 205-yard outing against Boston College that showcased his vision, burst, and breakaway speed.
Caullin Lacy made the third team as an all-purpose player - and rightfully so. He was electric in the return game, ranking third nationally with a 20.0-yard punt return average and scoring twice on returns of over 75 yards.
That kind of explosiveness changes games. Lacy also chipped in as a receiver, earning honorable mention with 54 receptions for 547 yards and two scores.
On the defensive side, edge rusher Clev Lubin was a tone-setter. He finished with 54 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and 7.0 sacks.
Lubin closed the regular season with a dominant performance against Kentucky - three tackles for loss and two sacks in a 41-0 shutout. That’s how you finish strong.
Linebacker TJ Quinn continued to be the heartbeat of the defense. For the third straight year, he led the team in tackles - this time with 87 over 12 games.
He was named ACC Linebacker of the Week three times and posted four games with double-digit tackles. Quinn has a nose for the football and a motor that doesn’t quit.
Special Teams Excellence: Cooper Ranvier
Kicker Cooper Ranvier stepped into the starting role this year and delivered in a big way. He went 21-of-24 on field goals, tying the school’s single-season record.
Ranvier showed off his leg strength too, hitting six of seven from 40+ yards and drilling two from beyond 50. That kind of reliability is a luxury for any coaching staff.
Honorable Mentions: Unsung Heroes Doing the Dirty Work
Honorable mentions went to several key contributors who quietly played big roles in Louisville’s success. Offensive linemen Lance Robinson and Pete Nygra were rock solid, starting all 12 games and anchoring a unit that paved the way for 23 rushing touchdowns while allowing just 23 sacks. Their consistency up front gave the Cards balance on offense.
Linebacker Antonio Watts made his presence felt before missing the final two games. He still led the team with three interceptions and added 42 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss - showing his versatility in both coverage and run support.
Cornerback Tayon Holloway also earned a nod after posting 40 tackles and notching his first two career interceptions in the regular-season finale against Kentucky. Talk about stepping up in a rivalry game.
The Bottom Line
Louisville’s 11 All-ACC selections tell the story of a team that’s built not just on star power, but on depth, development, and execution. From Bell’s big-play ability to Konga’s interior dominance, from Brown’s explosive runs to Lacy’s game-breaking returns - this is a group that’s earned every bit of recognition it’s received.
And with postseason play still ahead, the Cardinals aren’t done making noise.