MOVING ON UP: With new QB, solid defense, Brohm thinks big things are in store

By RUSS BROWN • Photos Provided

This will be our last issue before Louisville opens its 2026 football season against Ole Miss on Sunday, Sept. 6 in Nashville, Tenn. in the Music City Kickoff in Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans. So what can Cardinal fans expect from coach Jeff Brohm's fourth year guiding the program?

Good question, and I'm here to help with a few answers. Brohm provided a few clues during his appearance at the ACC Football Media Days in Charlotte, N.C. in mid-July.

After a 10-win season in 2023 and back-to-back nine-victory campaigns but no league championships and a so-so 4-4 league record last fall Brohm -- who recently signed an eight-year deal worth $8.1 million per season -- obviously feels it's time for his program to take the next step, including a conference title and UofL's first appearance in the College Football Playoff.

"In today's college football, anybody can win," Brohm said. "I think we have great parity in the ACC. There are great coaches in our league, really great talent, and really good players. If our players realize every week that if you do all the small things, really put in the work, that you can find a way to win and just continue to do that every week, then great things can happen. At the same time, you have to be willing to handle the struggles, the obstacles, losses that can happen along the way, come back and be even stronger."

There are high expectations among Cardinal Nation (aren't there always in August), but the Cardinals are mostly flying under the radar in the ACC behind title favorite Miami, Clemson, and SMU. However, U of L gets a break from the schedule because it doesn't play either the Hurricane or Tigers and gets the Mustangs at home.

One thing is certain: there will be no easing into the season. We'll know more, much more, about U of L's potential and future prospects after the collision with the Rebels, a CFP semifinalist last season and a Consensus Top 15 preseason pick this time around. After Ole Miss and what should be a breather against Villanova, the Cards will get another stiff, an early challenge from SMU in an L&N Stadium showdown. They've lost to the Mustangs the past two years by an average of 19 points.

"I think naturally having a game like we do Game 1 gets their ears perked up and they understand what's ahead," Brohm said of Ole Miss. "That can be a game that tests us for sure and shows us how far we need to come -- which can happen --or it can be a game that we find a way to win and really jump start this thing and gets us going at a high level and puts the pressure on us even more."

Both from an entertainment and effectiveness standpoint, Brohm is promising an upgraded, more explosive offensive attack than in the past, thanks to the addition of dual-threat quarterback Lincoln Kienholz, a transfer from Ohio State.

"We're really excited about Lincoln," the coach said. "We have not had a guy who is this type of athlete," the coach said. "He's played multiple sports and he's comfortable running. He's fast, like legitimately fast. So that gives you an extra element that we'll have to make sure we utilize. But he can throw it as well. . .good passer. 

"I think we've got to make sure we can throw the ball consistently and throw it vertically (deep) and get some quick scores. Driving the ball 10 plays with defenses now, you make a mistake or two and it doesn't work. You've got to get some quick scores. But we're still going to use those runners. Those are the guys that you can create big plays with. You're not going to throw an interception or take a sack. There's less chance of a negative play."

From all indications, Kienholz, who will be in his fourth season on the collegiate level but has never started a game and has thrown only 36 passes, has settled into his team and new role comfortably.

"You keep your head down and grind," he said of his time with the Buckeyes. "I feel like those past couple of years really prepared me for this moment. And you know, from the winter to now I've gained so much knowledge on (UofL's) offense and how they do things, to the point where I'm almost ready to go out there and just play fast."

As a high school senior in Pierre, S.D. Kienholz threw for 3,422 yards and 46 touchdowns, in addition to rushing for 1,435 yards and 24 TDs. And despite his lack of college experience, he certainly doesn't lack ambition or confidence.

"I have a lot of goals," he said. "I feel like I could be one of the best quarterbacks in the country. A goal of being a Heisman candidate. A goal of bringing the team to the College Football Playoff. Winning a national championship."

When he's not throwing the ball, Kienholz can hand off to a proven running back -- sophomore star Isaac Brown or his capable backup Keyjuan Brown. Brohm said he and his staff will be careful during preseason practice with Isaac, who endured an injury-plagued campaign in 2025. 

"We're going to protect him well in camp," Brohm said. "He is a great talent, a dynamic player. He can score at any time, take it the distance. When we've had him we won a lot of games. When we lost him, we did lose a few. We have to make sure we manage him throughout camp, get him his reps and hope he continues to improve."

Although he missed four games, Brown finished with 884 yards rushing and seven touchdowns while averaging 8.8 yards per carry.

While Kienholz, Brown, and the rest of the offense will get the most attention, especially early in the season, Brohm also thinks his defense, led by All-ACC preseason rush end Clive Lubin, can play winning football.

"I like our defense," Brohm said. "We always try to over-recruit that side of the ball, and I think defense and quarterback play are vital in order to win. We've got legitimate guys at every position on defense that can play. Now, you've got to go produce and play and get together and all that, but I would anticipate us playing well."

We'll find out soon enough if Brohm's appraisal is accurate on both sides of the ball.