LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville’s first full scrimmage of fall camp offered plenty of confirmation about the Cardinals’ proven playmakers — and a challenge from head coach Jeff Brohm for more to join them.
"I thought offensively, the first unit, our playmakers showed up and made plays and we were pretty consistent there," Brohm said. "Backups have to pick it up, but that’s just normal. … We’ve got to make sure more than 11 are ready to go."
The closed session at L&N Stadium unfolded in near-game conditions, complete with headsets, sideline operations and the August heat. It also gave USC transfer quarterback Miller Moss his first live test in a Louisville uniform.
"We actually learn a lot from this," Brohm said. "You know, we had the headsets, we used the press box, we did quite a few things that are game-like. So it’s even useful for coaches. And it's beneficial for players, for sure, getting us out of the huddles and onto the sidelines, knowing the substitution patterns, being ready to go. That's critical. You can't make any mistakes there. So, we need to do this as much as we can within reason. We’ll do it Wednesday and Saturday of this week again, and hopefully get better."
Brohm liked what he saw from Moss. The presumptive starter at QB showed poise, accuracy and the ability to keep plays alive, highlighted by a back-of-the-end-zone strike to Chris Bell. "He’s calm in the pocket … a veteran who understands the position," Brohm said.
Receivers still competing behind Bell, Lacy
Bell, last season’s top returning target with 737 yards, and returnee Caullin Lacy have been steady leaders in camp. Along with them them, several candidates — including TrayShun Hurry, Dacari Collins, Antonio Meeks, Kris Hughes and T.J. McWIlliams — are battling for a role, but Brohm is looking for sharper routes, cleaner catches and faster reads.
Louisville wide receiver Chris Bell makes a catch during a 2025 preseason practice.
"Just being consistent, doing the small things right, running the right route, being precise, making the adjustments, getting lined up quick, being able to communicate and adjust to the defense, catch the ball clean, not get it knocked out, get vertical," Brohm said, giving his laundry list of wideout playing time requirements. "And after all those things just to constantly show up and work through everything. But I think we're making progress."
Defensive front showing push
The first-unit defensive line batted passes, pressured quarterbacks and held its ground against the run. Brohm says the group is at least two deep at each position, though more production in the backfield will be key.
"I like our defensive line, and I think we have some depth there," Brohm said. "I don't want to get ahead of myself, but I've seen really good things at times."
Limiting big plays still a challenge
Preventing long completions has been an emphasis all camp, and the secondary showed progress — but also gave up a couple of explosive runs and passes.
"Keeping the ball in front of us while we challenge routes, I just think that's been the emphasis," Brohm said. "And if you look at our season last year, big pass plays happened too many times, and we've got to work hard to get that fixed. Get pressure on the quarterback, be in position, occasionally challenging things and getting up and pressing and guarding things. But not letting the ball be thrown over our head, at least making them earn it, and not giving up wide open completions is the emphasis. And I think we've made improvement, but we’ve still got to correct a few things and clean up a few things that just happened today."
Heat already testing depth
Several players didn’t finish due to high on-field temperatures. Brohm said the team must be able to play four quarters in early-season heat.
"We had a few people drop out because of the heat and some things like that," Brohm said. "We’ve got to be able to play in these situations. The first six games will be this hot, and on the turf it gets hotter, so you’ve got to drink your fluids before the game. You’ve got to stay stretched out ready. You’ve got to be able to play in the entire game. We had a few people not be able to finish, and that has to improve."
Louisville has two more scrimmages scheduled before its Aug. 30 opener against Eastern Kentucky. Between now and then, Brohm’s goal is clear: Keep the first-team sharp — and find more players who can make a difference.
Copyright 2025 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
