Louisville football inside the lines: EKU Preview

Each week, former player and coach Vince Lococo brings you inside the mind of a team prepping for its next opponent.

Welcome to the first of many pre-game write ups that I will be posting weekly on Louisville Football. The purpose of these articles is to help you, the fan, gain a better understanding of the next opponent… and, also, to beat any and every allegation that fullbacks can’t read/write.

Lets dive into week one vs Eastern Kentucky University.

What you need to know

The Colonels are led by head ball coach Walt Wells. Wells took over the program on December 9th, 2019 and is entering his 6th season. Their record over those years has been 30-26, with wins over top 25 FCS opponents in each of those seasons.

EKU posted a very strong 2024 season. The Colonels reached the FCS playoffs for the 23rd time in school history, posting an 8-5 record.

Some highlights from last season are as follows: undefeated at home, 3 game winning TDs in 3 straight games, 1,000yd rusher, with multiple players receiving all-conference and all-American honors post season.

Offensively, Eastern Kentucky is losing both their leading rusher and leading passer on from last season.

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Let’s start at quarterback, my prediction for the Colonels is that transfer Myles Burkett will be their week 1 starter. The team has not listed a starter as its an on going competition but you don’t bring transfer quarterbacks in to sit the bench.

Burkett threw for close to 2,000 yds last season at Albany.

Rushing wise, the Colonels might be losing their leading rusher, but tailback Brayden Latham is no joke either.

Latham posted 662 yds last season as the #2 running back. Those are impressive numbers off 141 attempts, again as the #2 back. Latham will be a junior this upcoming season, and if he improves (like I’m sure he will) I would not be surprised if he hits the portal for a bigger opportunity at the end of the year.

Wrapping up the offense, let’s talk receivers. Eastern Kentucky is fortunate enough to return its leading receiver from a season ago.

Marcus Calwise Jr. was just a true freshman last season when he posted 526yds on 42 receptions with 5 TDs. A pretty strong season for a true freshman just stepping in to college football.

In the world of NIL and the portal, Calwise Jr has a decision to make as a player. He can either continue to work and get better, or do the same and stay complacent. This is the one to watch for me that will be looking to prove himself against the best competition early on.

Who EKU will turn to defensively

Defensively, Eastern Kentucky is losing their leading tackler Maddox Marcellus to the portal (UVA.)

Two linebackers will be fighting for that top tackler spot this year. Those guys are Braden Sullivan (ILB) and Cam Junior (OLB.) Both these guys are older and experienced players. Both will play as major leaders and communicators on the front end of this defense.

The big player coming back defensively for the Colonels is Jaheim Ward. Ward is a DB who was 3rd on the team in tackles last season. Ward will be flying all over the field trying to disrupt Miller Moss in his first game starting for the Cards.

Ward is second team All-UAC and second team All-UAC: Phil Steele

Expect the veteran DB to try to disguise the defense as much as possible.

EKU was not a high-scoring team last season, and I wouldn’t expect their offense to give Louisville football too many fits in the season opener.

2025 Season Predictions – From The Pink Seats Podcast

Closing notes

In Louisville’s last three matchups with the Colonels, the Cards outscored EKU 30-3 (2021), 42-0 (2019), and 44-7(2013).

One would expect something similar this season. Louisville football needs to focus on itself, focusing on limiting self-inflicted mistakes and staying healthy for a quick turnaround vs James Madison.

As we get more game tape, we will start breaking down what the opposition does well and how Louisville football can plan to stop it.

Until then, catch my full breakdown of Louisville vs. EKU on the From the Pink Seats Podcast (linked above)