Louisville Cardinals Football: Phil Steele 2025 Forecast

Veteran college football writer Phil Steele has provided his forecast for the Louisville Cardinals ahead of the 2025 season. Steele is calling for Louisville‘s offense to improve once again in the third season of the Jeff Brohm era, but has concerns around the defense due to the departure of some big name pieces.

Brohm’s hiring prior to the 2023 season has once again brought the Louisville program into the national spotlight, as the Cards are 19-8 (12-4) over the past two seasons. He has led the team to back-to-back seasons with at least nine wins, marking the first time the program has achieved that since 2013-14.

Louisville Offense

The Louisville offense brought in yet another experienced transfer quarterback this season in former USC quarterback Miller Moss. Paired with superstar running backs Isaac Brown and Duke Watson, the Cardinals are set to have one of the most exciting offenses in the ACC.

“In Brohm’s first year, my computer called for 30.0 PPG and they had 30.7 PPG,” Steele wrote. “Last year, most expected a stronger offense and they improved by a TD with 36.5 PPG and 449 YPG as QB Tyler Shough stayed healthy all year. This year, new QB Miller Moss should be just as productive and they have my No. 4 set of RB’s. The O-Line and WR’s are rebuilt but the pieces are there and this time my computer is calling for 461 YPG & 37.3 PPG.”

Louisville Defense

The Louisville defense was middle of the pack in the ACC last season, as it allowed 368.7 yards per game (eighth best in ACC) and 24.1 points per game (sixth best in ACC). With some notable subtractions this season, Steele is a bit weary of the defense this season.

“In 2022, they allowed just 330 YPG, 19.2 PPG with 50 sacks (their best defense since 2010),” Steele continued. “In 2023, seven starters were back but they lost 33.5 of their sacks. (Jeff) Brohm said they had way more athleticism and depth than they had at Purdue. My computer had them allowing 22.7 PPG and 321 YPG and they were right there at 21.3 PPG and 317 YPG.”

“Last year, they had 10 players that started in 2023 back including their star DE Ashton Gillotte. My computer called for them to allow 25.2 PPG and they were slightly better at 24.1 PPG. This year they lose Gillotte, cover corner Quincy Riley and five other starters. The D is led by my No. 18 LB corps and this time my computer is calling for 351 YPG.”

Louisville 2025 Forecast

After flirting with the College Football Playoff conversation for the past two seasons, Louisville fans are clamoring for an opportunity to make its first ever mark on the event.

“Including transfers, Louisville has 16 returning starters this year and their new QB Miller Moss is the one that shredded them in the bowl game two years ago and started nine games with USC last year,” Steele wrote. “They have the super RB combo of Isaac Brown and Duke Watson, and while just one starter is back on the OLine, they have 203 career starts.”

“The Cards should open strong giving the team time to gel together but they have tough road games at Pittsburgh, Miami, Virginia Tech and SMU and also host Clemson in ACC play. Last year, the Cards four losses were by 7, 7, 7, and 3 so they were close to an even stronger year and Brohm is 12-5 in ACC play. Despite the tough schedule the Cards are a contender in the ACC.”