Photo by: Caleb Jones | Louisville Athletics
Experienced Linebacker Core Leads Cardinals into 2025 Season
August 27, 2025 | Football
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – With new faces entering the University of Louisville defensive room this offseason, the veteran presence in the linebacker core is set to provide key leadership that will give this team an edge heading into Saturday's season opener against Eastern Kentucky at L&N Stadium.
Linebackers coach Mark Ivey returns all three starters from his group last season, led by redshirt-senior TJ Quinn who is entering his fifth year with the program and third as a starter. The most experienced of the group, Quinn brings a coach-like mind on the field on game day.
"I think he's done some really good things in the past two seasons," Ivey said, "but I don't think there's any doubt he is a really different animal as far as watching him in spring."
Quinn led the team in tackles in 2024 for the second straight season with 82, while also starting all 13 games. He aims to guide Louisville once again as his role in the defense throughout the years proves his growing impact.
Two other returning starters will be back on the field for the Cardinals in game one. Redshirt-junior Antonio Watts is coming off a career best 51-tackle season after starting all 13 games and looks to build off previous success going into his fourth year with the team.
Junior Stanquan Clark ended last year second on the team in tackles with 76, while also earning All-ACC Honorable Mention accolades. Clark aims to continue his impact this season and grow his role within the defense.
A familiar name to Louisville fans looking to make a larger impact in 2025, T.J. Capers begins his third year in a Cardinal uniform after battling through injuries in his first two seasons.
"He's done a really good job mentally of sitting in our room and every day asking, 'was that the right way to do it coach?'" Ivey stated on Capers.
Capers appeared in 11 games last year as a reserve linebacker and finished the season with six tackles. The 2025 season provides a new opportunity for the Miami native to make a difference within the defensive core.
"I'm expecting big things out of T.J.," Ivey added. "I think he'll do an excellent job this year and it's time for him to do so being in his third year here."
Kickoff Saturday against EKU is set for 3 p.m. ET with TV coverage on the ACC Network.
Linebackers coach Mark Ivey returns all three starters from his group last season, led by redshirt-senior TJ Quinn who is entering his fifth year with the program and third as a starter. The most experienced of the group, Quinn brings a coach-like mind on the field on game day.
"I think he's done some really good things in the past two seasons," Ivey said, "but I don't think there's any doubt he is a really different animal as far as watching him in spring."
Quinn led the team in tackles in 2024 for the second straight season with 82, while also starting all 13 games. He aims to guide Louisville once again as his role in the defense throughout the years proves his growing impact.
Two other returning starters will be back on the field for the Cardinals in game one. Redshirt-junior Antonio Watts is coming off a career best 51-tackle season after starting all 13 games and looks to build off previous success going into his fourth year with the team.
Junior Stanquan Clark ended last year second on the team in tackles with 76, while also earning All-ACC Honorable Mention accolades. Clark aims to continue his impact this season and grow his role within the defense.
A familiar name to Louisville fans looking to make a larger impact in 2025, T.J. Capers begins his third year in a Cardinal uniform after battling through injuries in his first two seasons.
"He's done a really good job mentally of sitting in our room and every day asking, 'was that the right way to do it coach?'" Ivey stated on Capers.
Capers appeared in 11 games last year as a reserve linebacker and finished the season with six tackles. The 2025 season provides a new opportunity for the Miami native to make a difference within the defensive core.
"I'm expecting big things out of T.J.," Ivey added. "I think he'll do an excellent job this year and it's time for him to do so being in his third year here."
Kickoff Saturday against EKU is set for 3 p.m. ET with TV coverage on the ACC Network.
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