Louisville Defense Flips the Script in Friday Scrimmage

Last Saturday, coach Jeff Brohm voiced his frustration with the defense after scrimmage number one of 2026 fall camp. Friday evening’s second scrimmage saw the script flip.

“The defense dominated today, came out ready to go, very sound in what we did, eliminating big plays, making the offense drive the ball down the field and then we got some turnovers that are crucial and critical to help our team win.”

The fundamental issues of getting the right alignment and play calls in were fixed & truly that is the point of these scrimmages. Communication was better and they cut down on giving up the “big play.” Brohm is happy to see them improving.

On the flip side of an intrasquad scrimmage where the defensive side of the ball looked good, the offense can take some positive reinforcement from Friday night.

“Offense not as sharp. Didn’t catch the ball. Didn’t make great decisions & turned the ball over. That’s how football is. You’re playing good competition you got to try to hone in and be as sharp as you can & eliminate mistakes.”

Brohm is still talking highly of quarterback Lincoln Kienholz on his leadership and mobility when plays break down. Coach would like to see Kienholz look to make check down passes in certain situations to ensure taking care of the ball.

Isaac Brown keeps inserting himself more in team segments. Brohm wants him on the field as much as possible with his “dynamic” play-making ability but also expressed his pleasure with the depth of the running back room.

The receivers have done a good job during fall camp but struggled to secure catches on Friday night. Brohm emphasized they need to understand they have to get off the line scrimmage, be physical and make tough catches.

“There is only one ball, so whoever is out there, when the ball is thrown to them they have to go get it. We need those guys to step up.”

With the focus in the building flipping to Ole Miss prep on Monday, special teams is still a work in progress. Brohm said the punting game is progressing fine. Niall Hayes was a fall camp addition from Australia at punter and has a strong leg but will need to be locked in during game situations. They are continually trying to put the place kickers into pressure situations.

Brohm also mentioned the addition of Stu Holt as a special teams coach is crucial for having a veteran voice steering them.

Obviously, the talk of Friday morning was the eligibility rulings of players in the “Class of 2022” eligibility saga. In a minute-by-minute evolving landscape, Brohm said they are doing morning check-ins with the compliance department to abide by regulations.

The Cards are set to open up the 2026 season in 15 days at Nissan Stadium vs Ole Miss.

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