Louisville and Kentucky football programs prepare for the 2026 season

Louisville and Kentucky begin their 2026 college football campaigns over Labor Day weekend with differing expectations. The Cardinals, ranked 24th in the preseason AP poll, enter their fourth season under Jeff Brohm with a focus on reaching the College Football Playoff. The program returns key contributors including running back Isaac Brown and defensive lineman Clev Lubin. Meanwhile, Kentucky enters a transition phase under first-year head coach Will Stein, who replaced Mark Stoops. The Wildcats have integrated 38 transfer players and a new coaching staff following a 5-7 season last year. Louisville must navigate a schedule that includes matchups with Ole Miss and a season-ending rivalry game against Kentucky to maintain playoff contention.

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