Louisville Cardinals Projected to Finish 18th in Phil Steele's 2026 Power Poll

The Louisville Cardinals are looking to make a statement in the 2026 college football season, with a projected finish of 18th in Phil Steele's Power Poll. The team has been successful under head coach Jeff Brohm, with a 28-12 overall record since he took over. However, Steele's Power Poll has the Cardinals ranked 36th overall, with a fairly manageable schedule. The team will face three teams in the Power Poll's top 25, with Ole Miss at No. 8, SMU at No. 22, and Florida State at No. 25. Despite this, six of their opponents are ranked outside the top-50. The Cardinals have a strong running back unit, with one of the best in the country, and a schedule that could land them in the ACC Title game. Steele's projections also have the Cardinals in a three-way tie with Clemson and SMU for second in his 2026 ACC Forecast. Miami takes the top spot, but Steele thinks Louisville has a good chance to at least make it to Charlotte and square off with the Canes for a chance at the crown. The key will be keeping the running backs healthy, and Kienholz does at quarterback. This team is a legitimate threat in the ACC. Additionally, Steele named two Louisville players to his 2026 Preseason All-American teams, as well as nine Cardinals to the Preseason All-ACC Teams.