Louisville starting linebacker Stanquan Clark likely out for season after surgery

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- One of Louisville's most experienced and talented defenders is likely done for the season.

Head coach Jeff Brohm confirmed Monday that junior linebacker Stanquan Clark underwent lower leg surgery during the team's bye week and is "more than likely" out for the year. While Brohm left the door slightly ajar for a possible late-season return, the tone suggested the Cardinals are preparing to move forward without their starting weakside linebacker.

"Stanquan had lower leg surgery," Brohm said. "More than likely (he's) out for the year. Could he come back late in the process? Possibly."

Louisville | Kentucky | Indiana | Eric Crawford

The 6-foot-3-inch, 235-pound Clark was off to a steady start in 2025 after starting all 13 games last season, making 76 tackles, 7.5 for loss, with two interceptions, a pair of forced fumbles and two passes broken up.

A native of Miami, Florida, Clark had quickly become a cornerstone of Ron English's defense. He earned second-team All-ACC preseason honors from both Phil Steele and Athlon, and was named to the Butkus Award watch list, given annually to the nation's top linebacker.

Clark recorded 15 career starts — tied for third-most among returning Louisville defenders — and had appeared in all but one game over the past two seasons.

He had collected seven this year prior to the injury. Beyond the stats, Clark was viewed internally as a sideline-to-sideline leader — and someone whose length and speed helped in both run defense and underneath coverage.

With Clark sidelined, expect veterans TJ Quinn and Kalib Perry to anchor the linebacker unit, while sophomore TJ Capers could see an expanded role depending on the package.

"Just talking to all the guys in the linebacker room and they know, losing Stanquan, he's definitely a good piece," Quinn said. "We all know, we just got to step up, you know, and replace him. But like I told them, it's always next man up."

It's another early-season test of depth for a Louisville defense that has looked dominant through two games, ranking top-10 nationally in total yards allowed (206.5 ypg) and fourth in yards per play allowed (3.15). The Cardinals have allowed just three plays of 20+ yards and are giving up only 100 rushing yards per game.

Louisville (2-0) hosts Bowling Green (2-1) on Saturday at noon at L&N Stadium. The Falcons, led by former Heisman winner Eddie George, bring a ball-control offense and a veteran quarterback in Drew Pyne. The game will be televised on ACC Network.

PITT KICKOFF SET FOR NOON

The ACC announced Monday that Louisville's game next week at Pittsburgh will kick off at noon. The game will be broadcast by ESPN or ESPN2.