Louisville athletics off to excellent start in 2025-26
Cardinal fans have more to celebrate this fall than the usual Football and Volleyball success. All of Louisville’s fall athletic programs are making a name for themselves and gaining national recognition.
With a combined record of 21-4 in the 2025-26 academic season, there is plenty to cheer about.
Football
Louisville football gets the most attention from Cardinal fans, and for good reason. Starting the season with two home wins against Eastern Kentucky and then a Friday night showdown against James Madison. Coming into the season, Louisville received recognition for being an ACC contender and College Football Playoff dark horse. Jeff Brohm’s squad has kept this narrative alive entering their week three bye.
Superstar running back Isaac Brown, wide receiver Chris Bell, quarterback Miller Moss, and defensive lineman Clev Lubin have led Louisville so far, and will continue to do so during their next game, September 20th against Bowling Green, as the Cardinals look to start 3-0 for the third consecutive season.
Volleyball
If there is one thing Cardinal fans can count on, it’s Louisville volleyball. Coming off a national title game appearance, the 2025 season had question marks about whether this team could compete like years in the past. Household names Elena Scott, Anna DeBeer, and Charitie Luper have graduated, but the biggest shakeup this offseason was former head coach Dani Busboom Kelly leaving for Nebraska. These uncertainties quickly disappeared under new head coach Dan Meske. Louisville got off to a quick three game winning streak, but lost its last match to No. 2 Texas. This team is led by senior Cara Cresse, Purdue transfer Chloe Chicoine, reigning ACC Freshman of the Year Nayelis Cabello, and sophomore Payton Peterson. Ranked No.4 in the nation, Louisville will need to lock in for a Friday showdown at No. 18 Creighton. The Cards will be in Omaha for the weekend.
Soccer
Louisville Men’s Soccer has skyrocketed since its first game, now ranked 6th in the United Soccer Coaches poll. Starting the season 5-0 with a win over No. 1 Stanford has given the Cards one of the best resumes in the country. Through these five games, Louisville hasn’t allowed a single goal. Goalkeeper Alex Svetnanoff and his seven saves are a big reason for this defensive success. Coming off a win at Ohio State, the Cards have cemented themselves as a title contender and one of the best in the ACC, a league which includes four teams in the top-10.
This Saturday brings another challenge, as Louisville takes on Virginia at Lynn Stadium. Pat Kelsey took to social media, urging fans to show up and be loud.
Men’s soccer isn’t the only team gaining momentum. The women’s program is currently 7-2 and ranked No. 20 in the country according to the TopDrawSoccer poll. Unlike the men’s team, the women are all about scoring. They combined for seventeen goals in wins over USC Upstate and Kent State. The Cards are currently leading the country in scoring with 37. Sophomore midfielder Amelia Swinarski leads the team in both goals (6) and assists (9).
Field Hockey
Louisville field hockey is no stranger to success, having been to the postseason nine of the last eleven years. Last season was a down year for the Cards as they went 6-11, but that luck might change. Louisville started the season with a blowout victory against Michigan State and is coming off a win over Indiana. The Cards currently sit at 3-1 and look to knock off the number one-ranked Northwestern on September 12th.
Golf
It’s early in the season for men’s and women’s golf, but they are off to great starts. The men’s side finished fourth out of fifteen universities competing in The Gopher golf tournament. The Cards are led by returning junior Cooper Claycomb and former high school phenom Brady Smith.
The women’s side was able to secure a sixth-place finish at the Sam Golden Invitational in Texas. Louisville had three players shoot five under par or better.
With other programs like men’s/women’s basketball, men’s/women’s swimming & diving, and Baseball, expecting to be successful in the spring. Louisville fans could be in for another “Year of the Card”.
