September 26, 2026
Louisville football had its chances Saturday afternoon, but the Cardinals couldn’t deliver the final play they needed as Wake Forest escaped L&N Stadium with a 30-27 victory. Attendance for the game was 46,042 as the Cards suffered their first ACC loss.
The afternoon featured five lead changes, explosive plays through the air and a Louisville comeback that gave the Cardinals an opportunity to win in the closing minutes. In the end, Wake Forest’s ability to control the ground game and capitalize on Louisville mistakes made the difference.
Louisville took its first lead late in the opening quarter when quarterback Lincoln Kienholz used his legs to score from five yards out. The touchdown put the Cardinals ahead 7-3 and provided an early spark for the home crowd.
Wake Forest answered in the second quarter behind running back Ty Clark III, whose six-yard touchdown gave the Demon Deacons a 10-7 advantage. Kienholz responded with another rushing touchdown, putting Louisville back in front 14-10.
That’s when Wake Forest’s passing game delivered one of the defining moments of the afternoon.
The third quarter belonged to the kickers.
Louisville’s Carson Hilbert connected from 41 yards to tie the game at 24. After Wake Forest moved back in front with a field goal, Hilbert answered again — this time drilling a career-long 54-yard field goal to even the score at 27.
Wake Forest eventually put together a long drive before Connor Calvert connected on a 32-yard field goal with 6:20 remaining. The kick gave the Demon Deacons a 30-27 advantage and forced Louisville to find an answer.
The Cardinals moved into scoring position, but Hilbert missed a 42-yard attempt with 2:29 remaining.
Despite the loss, Kienholz continued to show his ability to make plays for Louisville. He completed 27 of 36 passes totaling 324 yards and a touchdown for the afternoon.
Tre Richardson led Louisville’s receivers with five catches for 85 yards, while Skinner finished with four receptions for 82 yards and the 61-yard touchdown.
For Louisville, Saturday’s result was especially difficult because the opportunities were there.
The Cardinals erased a 10-point first-half deficit, tied the game twice in the second half and had two opportunities to kick a tying field goal late. But Wake Forest made the critical plays when the game was on the line.
Up next Louisville goes on the road and faces N.C. State on Oct. 3 at 3:30 pm.
Roscelle Griffin, a talented photographer from Johnson City, Tennessee, excelled as a women’s basketball player at the University of Louisville. Her passion for photography, ignited by her grandmother’s gift of a Polaroid camera, now drives her to capture moments that transport viewers into a world of boldness and excitement. Roscelle’s media company, 502 Media Now, specializes in sports videography and photography, showcasing the dynamic world of sports while also excelling in real estate, headshots, weddings, and events.
