The Louisville Cardinals are one of the most successful programs in college athletics, with rich traditions in Louisville Cardinals basketball, Louisville Cardinals football, and Louisville Cardinals baseball. Known for passionate fans and historic rivalries, the program has built a strong reputation through championships, standout athletes, and a consistent commitment to excellence on and off the field.
College Sports Established
1914
Location
Louisville, Kentucky
College Name
University of Louisville
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1914 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
2014 – Present / ACC
2005 - 2013 / Big East Conference
1995 - 2005 / Conference USA
1975 - 1995 / Metro Conference
1941 - 1975 / Independent
1914 - 1941 / Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association
Nickname
Cardinals - The Louisville Cardinals have been a staple of college athletics since their founding in 1911. With such a long history, it’s no surprise that the team has developed an iconic nickname—the “Cardinals.” But where did this name come from? Let’s take a look at the origins of this beloved moniker.
Louisville Cardinals Origin
According to legend, the Cardinals were first called by their now-famous nickname in 1913 when then-football coach John Linn was asked what color his team would be wearing for an upcoming game against Kentucky State College (now known as the University of Louisville). In response, he said they would be wearing red and white, just like “a cardinal bird." The name stuck and soon became official when local newspapers called them "Linn's Redbirds" or simply "The Redbirds."
From there on out, fans adopted different variations, including The Fighting Cards; Cardiac Kids; Big Red; Cradle Robbers; Ville Birds, and finally - Cardinal Nation! While some nicknames may have faded over time due to changing trends or lack of relevance with modern times – one thing is sure: The Louisville Cardinals will forever remain true to its roots!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 2
1986, 1980
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1980
- 1986
- 2012
- 2013
- 2018
- 2019
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Cardinals win their first NCAA men’s basketball championship
In 1980: The Cardinals win their first NCAA men’s basketball championship under coach Denny Crum. -
1986 Louisville Cardinals Basketball Champs
The 1986 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament involved 64 schools playing in single-elimination play to determine the national champion of men’s NCAA Division I college basketball. It began on March 13, 1986, and ended with the championship game on March 31 in Dallas, Texas. A total of 63 games were played. Louisville, coached by Denny Crum, won the national ... -
Cardinals joined the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC)
In 2012: The Cardinals receive and accept an invitation to join the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). -
NCAA men’s basketball championship
In 2013: The Cardinals win their third NCAA men’s basketball championship under coach Rick Pitino. -
Lamar Jackson – Louisville Cardinals
When Jackson entered the 2017 season, his fan base and media had high expectations of his performance. College GameDay announced their return to the University of Louisville to host the opening matchup on September 16 between the returning National Champions, Clemson Tigers, and the Cardinals. Despite the 47–21 blowout the Tigers achieved, Jackson did not let the numbers affect his ... -
successful football season under coach Scott Satterfield
In 2019: The Cardinals have a successful football season under coach Scott Satterfield, who leads them to an 8–5 record and a win over Mississippi State in the Music City Bowl.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Louisville Cardinals History
The Louisville Cardinals have built a vibrant athletic tradition in NCAA sports. The Louisville Cardinals basketball program won national titles in 1980 and 1986, and most recently in 2013 (though it was later vacated). Under coaches like Denny Crum, the Cardinals basketball teams became nationally respected.
The Cardinals football program has grown significantly too, especially since joining the ACC, producing standout seasons and major bowl wins. Across all sports, the Louisville Cardinals team identity emphasizes excellence, tough competition, and dedicated fan support.
The Louisville Cardinals football history includes producing star athletes like Lamar Jackson, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2016 and helped elevate the program. Over the years, the Cardinals football has recorded many winning seasons, ACC bowl game appearances, and strong recruiting success. Meanwhile, the Cardinals baseball program has made multiple College World Series appearances and has shared or won conference titles across Big East, ACC, and American Athletics. The baseball side adds depth to the Cardinals’ overall sporting success.
In Louisville Cardinals basketball, the team has appeared in numerous NCAA Tournaments—43 appearances in men’s basketball—and made several Final Fours. The program has claimed dozens of conference regular season and tournament championships across multiple conferences. This rich history helps make the Louisville Cardinals team a constant contender in college basketball.
Fan engagement has always been central to Louisville’s identity. “Cards” fans fill the KFC Yum! Center for big basketball games. They travel for road matchups, support football at Cardinal Stadium, and show up in force for baseball and other programs. The passion of the Louisville Cardinals fans fuels performances and boosts recruiting, which reflects in consistent success across Louisville Cardinals athletics.
Cardinals Achievements
One of the greatest achievements in Louisville Cardinals history was Lamar Jackson winning the Heisman Trophy in 2016, a rare honor that underscored the strength of Louisville Cardinals football. The football program has also secured multiple conference championships since joining the ACC and has produced numerous NFL players.
On the basketball side, the Louisville Cardinals basketball program has won three acknowledged NCAA national championships (1980, 1986) and many conference titles across the Metro, Big East, and ACC. The baseball program too, the Louisville Cardinals baseball, has collected several conference titles and made deep postseason runs, including multiple appearances in the College World Series. These accomplishments highlight the breadth of success for the Louisville Cardinals team across sports.
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