After a first-round exit last season, the Louisville Cardinals are determined to bounce back in 2025-26. With Pat Kelsey at the helm, the program’s energy is back, and the non-conference schedule reflects a team ready to test itself early and often. Louisville faces three true road challenges, a few high-profile neutral-court battles, and several winnable home matchups at the KFC Yum! Center.
Rivalries Return to the Spotlight
Monday, November 3 – vs. South Carolina State
The season begins at home, and this one should be an easy win. Expect Kelsey to rotate plenty of players as the Cardinals shake off early-season rust.
Thursday, November 6 – vs. Jackson State
A quick turnaround to close the first week of play. While not a marquee opponent, it’s another valuable opportunity to get game reps before the big ones arrive.
Tuesday, November 11 – vs. Kentucky
Circle this one in red. The Commonwealth’s biggest rivalry returns to Louisville, and the Cardinals will be eager to snap Kentucky’s three-game win streak. The Wildcats hold a 40-17 all-time advantage, including last year’s 8-point win at Rupp.
Saturday, November 15 – vs. Ohio
A sneaky mid-major test against a scrappy MAC team. Louisville can’t afford to look ahead with their first road trip looming.
Friday, November 21 – at Cincinnati
An old rivalry renewed. These programs have met over 100 times, with Louisville leading 56-44. The Bearcats dominated their last meeting in 2022, winning by 19. This one promises a fierce, nostalgic atmosphere.
Monday, November 24 – vs. Eastern Michigan
The Cardinals stay home for a pre-Thanksgiving matchup that should offer a breather after a tough trip to Cincinnati. Eastern Michigan has a few dynamic guards capable of scoring in bunches, but Louisville’s size and tempo should prove too much to handle. It’s the kind of game where Kelsey can fine-tune rotations and extend his bench minutes before the next big stretch of opponents.
Wednesday, November 26 – vs. NJIT
Two more tune-ups at home give the Cardinals a chance to solidify rotations before their toughest stretch.
Road Challenges and Old Foes
Wednesday, December 3 – at Arkansas
John Calipari is waiting in Fayetteville, and his Razorbacks will be a handful. This marks the ninth all-time meeting between the programs and the first since 2002, when Arkansas won big. The all-time series sits tied at 4-4.
Saturday, December 6 – vs. Indiana (Indianapolis)
Another regional rivalry on a neutral floor. Louisville crushed Indiana last season by 28 points, but the Hoosiers have a new coach and revenge on their mind. Louisville trails the overall series 12-10.
Saturday, December 13 – vs. Memphis
The revival of a storied rivalry. The Cardinals and Tigers meet for the first time in years, beginning a six-year series renewal. Louisville leads the all-time matchup 48-35, and this December clash should deliver fireworks.
Tuesday, December 16 – at Tennessee
The Vols embarrassed Louisville last season, winning by 22. The Cardinals will look to even the score in Knoxville in what’s always a physical, high-level matchup. Tennessee leads the all-time series 9-12.
Saturday, December 20 – vs. Montana
Louisville closes its non-conference schedule with a home contest that should give them momentum heading into ACC play.
The Cardinals’ 2025-26 schedule has everything a fan could want: rivalry intensity, tough road trips, and winnable home games to build confidence. With Pat Kelsey’s fiery coaching style and renewed optimism around the program, Louisville looks primed to make noise well into March.