No. 24 Cards Pounce on Villanova in Home Opener

Friday, September 11

LOUISVILLE, KY

7:00 p.m.

University of Louisville

1-1 , 0-0

Villanova

1-2 , 1-1

Team	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final F
Villanova	3	7	3	0	13
Louisville	17	14	14	14	59

A fan poses with a red bandana in remembrance of 9/11 before the game against Villanova at the L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Nicole Finch | Louisville Athletics

Louisville Cheerleaders pose for a photo with a fan before the game against Villanova at the L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Nicole Finch | Louisville Athletics

Jeff Brohm high-fives fans during the Card March before the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: David Sutherland | Louisville Athletics

Jeff Brohm high-fives a fan during the Card March before the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Eli Dych | Louisville Athletics

Lincoln Kienholz high-fives fans during the Card March before the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: David Sutherland | Louisville Athletics

A fan waits for the Card March before the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: David Sutherland | Louisville Athletics

Marquise Davis during warmups before the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Eli Dych | Louisville Athletics

Santana Wilson warms up before the game against Villanova at the L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Nicole Finch | Louisville Athletics

A fan enters the stadium before the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: David Sutherland | Louisville Athletics

A flyover during the National Anthem in remembrance of 9/11 before the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Taris Smith | Louisville Athletics

Military members hold flags during a 9/11 tribute before the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Eli Dych | Louisville Athletics

Millitary members run out before the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Taris Smith | Louisville Athletics

Flags are held in remembrance of 9/11 before the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: David Sutherland | Louisville Athletics

The Cards runout before the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: David Sutherland | Louisville Athletics

Micah Carter celebrates during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: David Sutherland | Louisville Athletics

Keyjuan Brown celebrates during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: David Sutherland | Louisville Athletics

Tayon Holloway makes a tackle during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: David Sutherland | Louisville Athletics

Braxton Jennings celebrates a touchdown during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: David Sutherland | Louisville Athletics

Davin Wydner looks to pass during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: David Sutherland | Louisville Athletics

Braxton Jennings and Elizjah Lewis celebrate during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: David Sutherland | Louisville Athletics

Marquise Davis runs the ball during the game against Villanova at the L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Nicole Finch | Louisville Athletics

Jaleel Skinner celebrates a touchdown during the game against Villanova at the L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Nicole Finch | Louisville Athletics

Lawayne McCoy runs into the end-zone during the game against Villanova at the L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Nicole Finch | Louisville Athletics

Tre Richardson runs the ball during the game against Villanova at the L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Nicole Finch | Louisville Athletics

A fan cheers during the game against Villanova at the L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Nicole Finch | Louisville Athletics

Marlon Harbin runs the ball during the game against Villanova at the L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Nicole Finch | Louisville Athletics

Braxton Jennings runs into the end-zone during the game against Villanova at the L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Nicole Finch | Louisville Athletics

The Cards celebrate during the game against Villanova at the L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Nicole Finch | Louisville Athletics

Lawayne McCoy crosses over an opponent during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Taris Smith | Louisville Athletics

The defense makes a tackle during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Taris Smith | Louisville Athletics

Tre Richardson runs past a defender during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Taris Smith | Louisville Athletics

Lincoln Kienholz rushes into the end zone during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Taris Smith | Louisville Athletics

Lincoln Kienholz looks to pass during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Taris Smith | Louisville Athletics

Carson Hilbert kicks the ball during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Taris Smith | Louisville Athletics

Dillon Smith is celebrated after a strip sack recovery during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Taris Smith | Louisville Athletics

Jeff Brohm looks on during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Taris Smith | Louisville Athletics

Clev Lubin during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Taris Smith | Louisville Athletics

Brody Foley celebrates with Lincoln Kienholz after scoring a touchdown during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Taris Smith | Louisville Athletics

Lincoln Kienholz hurdles into the end zone during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Taris Smith | Louisville Athletics

Lawayne McCoy runs to the end zone during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Taris Smith | Louisville Athletics

Jaleel Skinner celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Taris Smith | Louisville Athletics

Eryx Daugherty and Lincoln Kienholz celebrate during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Taris Smith | Louisville Athletics

Antonio Watts and Lance Robinson walk to the coin toss before the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Taris Smith | Louisville Athletics

A veteran showing his UofL shirt while being honored in the salute to service tribute during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Eli Dych | Louisville Athletics

Lawayne McCoy and Lincoln Kienholz celebrating a touchdown during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Eli Dych | Louisville Athletics

Jeff Brohm being interviewed during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Eli Dych | Louisville Athletics

Lincoln Kienholz hurdling a player for a touchdown during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Eli Dych | Louisville Athletics

Lincoln Kienholz and Brody Foley celebrating a touchdown during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Eli Dych | Louisville Athletics

The Cardinals celebrating a touchdown during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Eli Dych | Louisville Athletics

A fan during the moment of silence to remember 9/11 before the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Eli Dych | Louisville Athletics

Kaleb Beasley celebrating a fourth down stop during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Eli Dych | Louisville Athletics

Marquise Davis runs the ball during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Eli Dych | Louisville Athletics

Tyler Thompson forcing a sacking the quarterback for a fumble during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Eli Dych | Louisville Athletics

Lincoln Kienholz scrambling during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Eli Dych | Louisville Athletics

Lawayne McCoy scoring a touchdown during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Eli Dych | Louisville Athletics

Micah Carter making a tackle during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Eli Dych | Louisville Athletics

Lincoln Kienholz throwing the ball during warmups before the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Eli Dych | Louisville Athletics

The student section raising a banner during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Eli Dych | Louisville Athletics

The Cardinals celebrating during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Eli Dych | Louisville Athletics

Fans cheering during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Eli Dych | Louisville Athletics

Braxton Jennings and Elizjah Lewis celebrating a touchdown during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Eli Dych | Louisville Athletics

Tre Richardson interacting with fans after the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Eli Dych | Louisville Athletics

Lincoln Kienholz throwing the ball during the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Eli Dych | Louisville Athletics

Lincoln Kienholz being interviewed after the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Eli Dych | Louisville Athletics

Lincoln Kienholz taking a photo with fans after the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Eli Dych | Louisville Athletics

Clev Lubin taking a photo with a fan after the game against Villanova at L&N Stadium on September 11.

Photo by: Eli Dych | Louisville Athletics

September 11, 2026 | Football

Box Score PDF Box Score Postgame Notes Postgame Quotes Jeff Brohm Postgame Press Conference Video Highlights Photo Gallery

Lincoln Kienholz becomes the first quarterback in school history to pass for 300 yards in each of his first two games

By: Zach Zsido

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The No. 24-ranked University of Louisville football team dominated, 59-13, in its home opener against Villanova on Friday night at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. The Cardinals tallied 635 total yards of offense in the win, the most since September 7, 2023 against Murray State.

Lincoln Kienholz stayed hot on offense, with 16 completions on 21 attempts for 332 yards and two touchdowns in the passing game. On the ground, Kienholz rushed for 42 yards on six carries while adding a pair of touchdowns.

Marquise Davis led the run game for UofL with seven carries for 86 yards while punching in two touchdowns. Jaleel Skinner ignited Louisville's offense with a 69-yard touchdown catch late in the first quarter. Lawayne McCoy topped the Cards in the air, hauling in three catches for 102 yards, including a 61-yard touchdown reception early in the second quarter.

Kaleb Beasley led the Cardinals' defense with seven total tackles, including four solo tackles while Koen Entringer and Trent Carter added six tackles apiece. Tyler Thompson created the only Louisville takeaway with a forced fumble recovered by Dillon Smith on the first play of the fourth quarter.

Louisville Head Coach Jeff Brohm said:

"Proud of our team. I thought we did what we had to do to come out and win the football game. Got off to a little bit of a rocky start, a little rough at the beginning, but we regrouped and played hard to the end. It was good to see a lot of people play and get in the game, which is important. All these guys work hard, so when you get a chance to play everybody, it's great to see because at some point their number is going to be called. That was great, I thought we had great fan turnout. The fans showed up. They were ready, they were excited, they were into the game. It was great to see that. I thought the lights, the new lights were outstanding. So, it's a good first home game and proud of our effort. And of course, now we move on to tough conference games starting with SMU which will be a battle – and they've had our number. We're going to have to have a great week of practice and continue to get better and play well next week. But proud of our team today and we'll try to get as healthy as we can and get ready for SMU."

How it Happened

First Quarter
12:16 – UL – Carson Hilbert kicked a 33-yard field goal on the game's opening drive. 7 plays, 35 yards, 2:35. Louisville 3, Villanova 0.
06:24 – VIL – Dominic LeBlanc ties up the game with a 35-yard field goal. 12 plays, 58 yards, 5:52. Louisville 3, Villanova 3.
04:33 – UL – Lincoln Kienholz finds the gap for a 19-yard touchdown. 4 plays, 72 yards, 1:44. Louisville 10, Villanova 3.
00:14 – UL – Jaleel Skinner hauls in a 69-yard touchdown pass from Lincoln Kienholz. 5 plays, 82 yards, 2:09. Louisville 17, Villanova 3.

Second Quarter
14:50 – VIL – Pat McQuaide connects with Ja'bril Mace for a 69-yard touchdown. 2 plays, 75 yards, 0:24. Louisville 17, Villanova 10.
13:24 – UL – Lincoln Kienholz finds Lawayne McCoy for a 61-yard touchdown pass. 2 plays, 80 yards, 1:16. Louisville 24, Villanova 10.
01:53 – UL – Lincoln Kienholz punches it in for a 4-yard touchdown. 10 plays, 85 yards, 3:39. Louisville 31, Villanova 10.

Third Quarter
07:50 – UL – Braxton Jennings runs it in for a 15-yard touchdown. 4 plays, 52 yards, 2:03. Louisville 38, Villanova 10.
03:42 – VIL – Dominic LeBlanc knocks it in for a 29-yard field goal. 13 plays, 63 yards, 4:08. Louisville 38, Villanova 13.
00:07 – UL – Marquise Davis rushes it in for a 3-yard touchdown. 8 plays, 59 yards, 3:29. Louisville 45, Villanova 13.

Fourth Quarter
12:36 – UL – David Wydner connects with Braxton Jennings for a 2-yard touchdown. 5 plays, 16 yards, 2:17. Louisville 52, Villanova 13.
07:04 – UL – Marquise Davis punches it in for a 2-yard touchdown. 6 plays, 65 yards, 2:21. Louisville 59, Villanova 13.

Up Next

The Cards will stay at home next Saturday, September 19 to host No. 17 SMU at 3:30 p.m. ET at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. The game will be broadcast on ESPN or ESPN 2.