UPSIDE: The Louisville Cardinals will be National Championship CONTENDERS in Pat Kelsey’s 2nd season

Louisville Cardinals basketball is poised for a sophomore surge under head coach Pat Kelsey. After a surprising 27-8 record last season, expectations are sky-high for the Cards in 2025-26. Locked On College Basketball host Isaac Schade and Locked On Louisville's Dalton Pence break down the team's roster construction, highlighting the mix of returning players, transfers, and freshman phenom Mikel Brown Jr.

The duo analyzes Louisville's potential starting lineup, discussing how Kelsey might juggle minutes in a loaded backcourt. They examine the challenging non-conference schedule, including early matchups against Kentucky, Arkansas, and Indiana. Schade and Pence project a 25-6 record and ACC regular season title for the Cards, with Elite Eight potential come March.

Get the inside scoop on Louisville's national championship aspirations and how Pat Kelsey plans to build on last year's success - listen now for expert analysis on the Cardinals' upcoming season!