What is the story about?
What's Happening?
The Louisville Cardinals men's basketball team has been ranked No. 11 in the 2025-26 preseason Associated Press Top 25 poll. This marks the first time since 2019 that the team has been included in the preseason rankings. Under the leadership of head coach Pat Kelsey, the Cardinals received 956 points from AP voters. The team is set to face several high-profile opponents early in the season, including Duke, Kentucky, and Arkansas, all of which are ranked within the top 25. Additionally, Louisville will play an exhibition game against Kansas, ranked No. 19, on October 24.
Why It's Important?
The ranking signifies a resurgence for the Louisville Cardinals, who have not been in the preseason AP Top 25 since 2019. This recognition could boost the team's morale and increase fan engagement, potentially leading to higher attendance at games and greater support for the program. The challenging schedule against top-ranked teams like Duke and Kentucky will test the Cardinals' capabilities and could impact their standing in the ACC and national rankings as the season progresses.
What's Next?
Louisville's season opener is scheduled for November 3 against SC State. The team will need to maintain strong performances against their ranked opponents to uphold their position in the AP poll. Success in these early games could set the tone for the rest of the season and influence their chances in the NCAA tournament.
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