The University of Louisville men's basketball team kicked off its 2025-26 campaign with a bang—just not the result fans were hoping for. In a rare October blockbuster, the No. 11-ranked Cardinals fell to No. 19 Kansas, 90-82, in a high-energy exhibition game that offered a first glimpse at Pat Kelsey’s new-look squad.
A Packed Arena, a Tough Lesson
The KFC Yum! Center was buzzing Friday night as Louisville hosted Kansas in a preseason matchup that felt more like March than October. Head coach Pat Kelsey praised the electric atmosphere, noting,
“There was a great, great buzz in the arena. It was the first time that either team suited up against anyone other than themselves since June. That’s what these early games and scrimmages are all about—finding things out about your team—the strengths and the weaknesses and things that need to be fixed.”Louisville started with a lineup featuring
Mikel Brown Jr., Isaac McKneely, Ryan Conwell, J’Vonne Hadley, and Sananda Fru. Despite the loss, the Cardinals showed flashes of brilliance, especially from
Ryan Conwell, who led all scorers with 26 points.
Kansas Sets the Pace
Kansas, led by their own 26-point performance from Peterson, controlled the game for over 36 minutes and built a lead as large as 18 points. Louisville made several runs, but the Jayhawks’ experience and composure proved too much for the Cardinals to overcome.
The exhibition was a significant step up from last year’s preseason schedule, which featured lower-division opponents. Kelsey emphasized the value of facing a powerhouse like Kansas early, saying it provides a “great teaching tool” for the coaching staff and players alike.
Recruiting Buzz: 5-Star Talent in the Building
While the action on the court drew headlines, Louisville’s recruiting efforts were also on display. The Cardinals hosted
elite 5-star 2027 small forward Nesmith, ranked as high as No. 12 nationally and the No. 2 shooting guard in his class, during the Kansas exhibition. The presence of such a high-profile recruit signals Louisville’s intent to reload with top-tier talent and keep the program in the national conversation.
What’s Next for the Cardinals?
The Cardinals will look to regroup quickly, with another exhibition against Bucknell scheduled for October 28, followed by the official season opener against South Carolina State on November 3. The early test against Kansas exposed both strengths and areas for improvement, giving Kelsey and his staff plenty to work on before the games start counting.
Key Takeaways
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Ryan Conwell’s breakout performance is a bright spot for Louisville’s offense.
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Facing a top-20 opponent in October gives the Cardinals a valuable benchmark for the season ahead.
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Recruiting momentum remains strong, with elite prospects visiting campus.
Louisville fans have reason for optimism, even in defeat. The energy in the arena and the flashes of potential suggest this team could be a force as the season unfolds. For now, the Cardinals will use this early setback as fuel for growth—and perhaps as a preview of bigger things to come.
Sources
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2. Terry Rozier arrested in FBI gambling probe - Card Chronicle
3. Louisville basketball hosts elite 5-star 2027 SF during Kansas exhibition game
4. Matches - The Louisville Cardinal
5. Louisville basketball drops blockbuster exhibition to Kansas. What did we learn?
6. Tuesday afternoon Cardinal news and notes | Card Chronicle
7. Peterson Scores 26 as No. 19 Kansas Wins Exhibition Game at No. 11 Louisville - University of Kansas
8. Branham's Mailbag: Examining 2026 recruiting efforts for UNC ...
9. Kansas basketball vs Louisville final score: Jayhawks capture exhibition win on road
10. CRAWFORD | How did we get here? Louisville's incredible ... - WDRB
11. Louisville HC Pat Kelsey Postgame Presser vs. Kansas (10/24/25)
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