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Louisville looks to linebacker group for strong defensive performance this season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 17, 2026, 1:15 PM

Last updated Aug 17, 2026

Louisville looks to linebacker group for strong defensive performance this season
Summary

Louisville's football team enters the new season with a renewed emphasis on their linebacker corps, led by Stanquan Clark, who returns after a limited five-game season due to injury. The Cardinals had a top-20 defense last year in yards allowed per game. Key players like TJ Capers and Antonio Watts are expected to step up, with Watts being highlighted for his potential as a standout performer on the defense. Head coach Jeff Brohm's staff has opted not to recruit additional players from the portal, focusing instead on the talent already within their system. Louisville aims to build on its previous defensive successes as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.

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Status Watch
  • •Louisville finished last season with a top-20 defense.
  • •Stanquan Clark leads the linebacker group returning from injury.
  • •TJ Capers and Antonio Watts are key players to watch this season.
  • •No new recruits were added to the linebacker position via the portal.
  • •Season preparations focus on development within the current roster.
Latest Updates
  • 1:15 PMYahoo Sports — Louisville Football Position Previews: Linebackers
What they're saying
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Louisville finished last season with a top-20 defense when it comes to yards per game and yards per play. Then they shuffled the defensive staff, with Mark Ivey and Steve Ellis taking over as coordinators. While injuries were a major problem for the Cards last season, I think it would be tough to find someone […]

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