LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Louisville star wide receiver Chris Bell, one of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, suffered a torn ACL in the Cardinals’ 38-6 loss at SMU on Nov. 22, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Pete Thamel on Wednesday.
WDRB previously reported that Bell would require surgery following the injury, which sidelined him for the team’s regular-season finale — a 41-0 win over rival Kentucky.
The 6-foot-2, 220-pound senior was named to the All-ACC first team earlier this month after leading Louisville with 72 catches for 917 yards and six touchdowns. He posted a season-low 46 receiving yards on five catches against SMU before exiting the game in the second half.
According to ESPN’s report, the ACL tear is believed to be “clean,” and Bell is scheduled to undergo surgery this week with renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Dan Cooper in Dallas.
Despite the setback, Bell remains a strong NFL Draft prospect. ESPN analyst Field Yates projects Bell as the final pick of the first round — No. 32 overall to the Denver Broncos — in his most recent mock draft.
Louisville finished the regular season 8-4 and will face Toledo in the Bush’s Boca Raton Bowl on Dec. 23.
Copyright 2025 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
