Cards Hit the Road for Back-to-Back Challenges Starting in Texas

The Cardinals checked one big box with their 3–1 win over Illinois in front of more than 6,000 fans at the KFC Yum! Center, but the celebration won’t last long. Now comes the first true test of the season: a September road swing loaded with ranked opponents, NCAA Tournament teams, and back-to-back matches that will challenge Louisville’s depth and resilience.

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The journey begins Tuesday, Sept. 10, in Dallas at the ACC–SEC Challenge, where No. 4 Louisville collides with No. 2 Texas. It’s a clash of national powers and a rematch of the 2022 NCAA Championship match, with both squads once again eyeing another deep run this season.

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From there, the Cards head north to Omaha for a showdown with Creighton on Friday, Sept. 12. The last two meetings between Louisville and the Bluejays have gone the distance, both ending in five-set thrillers. History says fans should buckle up for another battle.

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The turnaround will be quick. Just 24 hours later, Louisville meets Northern Iowa at Creighton in a rematch of last year’s dramatic five-set NCAA Tournament clash. The weekend wraps on Sunday at noon against Rice, another program fresh off a 2024 NCAA Tournament appearance.

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In total, four opponents in five days, three of them NCAA Tournament teams and two ranked in the Top 25. It’s the kind of early-season gauntlet that can expose weaknesses but also forge the toughness needed for a championship run.

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By the time the Cards return home, they’ll be battle-tested, road-ready, and carrying valuable lessons into the heart of their 2025 campaign.