Starting Five02

Is Flory Bidunga the best big man in the ACC? And could he be Louisville's best center since Gorgui Dieng?

Mike Rutherford of Card Chronicle joins Starting Five02 for Episode 5 of our 2026–27 Louisville Basketball Player Profiles series, breaking down one of the most exciting additions of the Pat Kelsey era. The former Kansas standout and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year arrives in Louisville with enormous expectations. After two seasons of questions surrounding physicality, rebounding, and rim protection, Pat Kelsey may have finally found the missing piece.

Ryan Keeling, Jacob Lane, Alan Thomas, and Mike Rutherford discuss:

- Why landing Bidunga was such a massive statement for Louisville basketball

- What makes Flory one of the most versatile defensive big men in the country

- How his athleticism, rebounding, and offensive efficiency could transform Pat Kelsey's system

- Whether he's already the best center in the ACC

- His potential to earn All-American honors and compete for ACC Player of the Year

- Why Bidunga could be the player who takes Louisville from good back to great

Plus, Mike shares a fascinating behind-the-scenes story about how Louisville's pursuit of Bidunga began — and why getting the Cardinals back into the national spotlight in March means so much to this program.

**Is Flory Bidunga the missing piece for a Final Four run?** Let us know what you think in the comments.

Subscribe to Starting Five02 for more Louisville basketball coverage, player previews, and conversations with some of the biggest voices around the program.

StartingFive02 is now presented by Alumni Hall! 

StartingFive02 is powered by Alumni Hall. Use promo code **SOL1912** for 10% off your order online at https://www.alumnihall.com/ or in store at 4600 Shelbyville Road.

Stay Connected:

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Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is your home for comprehensive coverage of the state of our city, its hometown teams, and its unique culture. Louisville sports culture is deeply woven into what makes this city special, where a pro city feel meets a college town vibe. Delivering the best in Louisville sports, news, and everything in between, we bring unique coverage to an uncompromising city.

In a city where fans are passionate and diverse, yet united as a tight-knit community, we’re committed to providing coverage that cuts to the core of what makes Louisville unique. Whether you’re a lifelong Louisvillian or just stopping by, The State of Louisville is for anyone who appreciates the city’s rich history and fervent sports culture.

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is the home of 3 original podcasts covering University of Louisville sports and beyond:

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

It's 5:02 Somewhere (Louisville Interviews)

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De'Shayne Montgomery might be the ultimate luxury guard on Pat Kelsey’s roster this season. In Episode 04 of the Starting Five02 Podcast (presented by Alumni Hall) 2026–27 Louisville Basketball Player Preview series, Ryan Keeling and Jacob Lane break down what Montgomery brings to the Cardinals, why his defensive disruption could make him one of the most important players in the rotation, and whether an improved offensive game could unlock another level. We discuss Montgomery’s elite steal numbers, his ability to create offense through defense, his explosiveness around the rim, the importance of his three-point shooting, his 20-point performance in the Bahamas, and how his role could change depending on Seth Trimble’s availability.

Plus: why Montgomery might be Louisville’s “Chief Chaos Officer” — and the kind of player opposing guards are going to hate seeing check into the game.

Full YouTube Episode: https://youtu.be/B9BBify9fRU

StartingFive02 is now presented by Alumni Hall! 

StartingFive02 is powered by Alumni Hall. Use promo code **SOL1912** for 10% off your order online at https://www.alumnihall.com/ or in store at 4600 Shelbyville Road.

Stay Connected:

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Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is your home for comprehensive coverage of the state of our city, its hometown teams, and its unique culture. Louisville sports culture is deeply woven into what makes this city special, where a pro city feel meets a college town vibe. Delivering the best in Louisville sports, news, and everything in between, we bring unique coverage to an uncompromising city.

In a city where fans are passionate and diverse, yet united as a tight-knit community, we’re committed to providing coverage that cuts to the core of what makes Louisville unique. Whether you’re a lifelong Louisvillian or just stopping by, The State of Louisville is for anyone who appreciates the city’s rich history and fervent sports culture.

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is the home of 3 original podcasts covering University of Louisville sports and beyond:

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

It's 5:02 Somewhere (Louisville Interviews)

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Starting Five02 Podcast Player Preview Series (presented by Alumni Hall) rolls on with Karter Knox — one of the most intriguing players on Louisville's roster and perhaps the biggest X-factor of Pat Kelsey's third season. Ryan Keeling and Alan Thomas break down what makes the former five-star wing such a unique weapon, his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, and how Pat Kelsey may have never coached a player quite like him. They also dive into the biggest question surrounding Knox: with NBA-level size, athleticism and shooting ability, what has kept him from reaching the next level — and can a year in Pat Kelsey's system unlock it? Plus: expectations coming off last season's meniscus injury, where Knox fits in Louisville's loaded rotation, his defensive upside, areas he still needs to develop as a creator, and a bold prediction for his first season as a Cardinal.

Full YouTube Episode: https://youtu.be/kB485i7Sqec

#louisville #louisvillebasketball #uofl #uoflbasketball #gocards #L1C4 #patkelsey #karterknox #arkansas #recruiting #mcdonaldsallamerican #transferportal #jacksonshelstad #adrianwooley #florybidunga #deshaynemontgomery #sethtrimble #acc #accbasketball #accbasketball2026 #accbasketball2027

StartingFive02 is now presented by Alumni Hall! 

StartingFive02 is powered by Alumni Hall. Use promo code **SOL1912** for 10% off your order online at https://www.alumnihall.com/ or in store at 4600 Shelbyville Road.

Stay Connected:

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Support The State of Louisville by supporting our partners! 

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Parlour Pizza

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Main Event

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is your home for comprehensive coverage of the state of our city, its hometown teams, and its unique culture. Louisville sports culture is deeply woven into what makes this city special, where a pro city feel meets a college town vibe. Delivering the best in Louisville sports, news, and everything in between, we bring unique coverage to an uncompromising city.

In a city where fans are passionate and diverse, yet united as a tight-knit community, we’re committed to providing coverage that cuts to the core of what makes Louisville unique. Whether you’re a lifelong Louisvillian or just stopping by, The State of Louisville is for anyone who appreciates the city’s rich history and fervent sports culture.

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is the home of 3 original podcasts covering University of Louisville sports and beyond:

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

It's 5:02 Somewhere (Louisville Interviews)

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Could Adrian Wooley be Louisville's leading scorer this season? We're back with Episode 2 of our Starting Five02, presented by Alumni Hall, Player Profiles series, and this time we're breaking down Louisville's most important returning player. Ryan Keeling, Jacob Lane, and Alan Thomas dive into Adrian Wooley's late-season breakout, his development as a combo guard, and why this year's roster might be perfectly constructed to unlock another level of his game. Is Wooley being overlooked in all the excitement surrounding Louisville's new additions? Do you think he can lead Louisville in scoring this year? Let us know!

- Why Wooley's numbers improved dramatically down the stretch last season

- Whether he's more valuable as a scorer or primary ball handler

- How Jackson Shelstad and Flory Bidunga could elevate his offensive production

- The battle for minutes with Seth Trimble

- Wooley's NBA potential and what he needs to improve

- Our bold predictions for his 2026–27 season

StartingFive02 is now presented by Alumni Hall! 

StartingFive02 is powered by Alumni Hall. Use promo code **SOL1912** for 10% off your order online at https://www.alumnihall.com/ or in store at 4600 Shelbyville Road.

Stay Connected:

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Support The State of Louisville by supporting our partners! 

Alumni Hall

Ellis and Badenhausen

Parlour Pizza

Parkside Realty

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Main Event

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is your home for comprehensive coverage of the state of our city, its hometown teams, and its unique culture. Louisville sports culture is deeply woven into what makes this city special, where a pro city feel meets a college town vibe. Delivering the best in Louisville sports, news, and everything in between, we bring unique coverage to an uncompromising city.

In a city where fans are passionate and diverse, yet united as a tight-knit community, we’re committed to providing coverage that cuts to the core of what makes Louisville unique. Whether you’re a lifelong Louisvillian or just stopping by, The State of Louisville is for anyone who appreciates the city’s rich history and fervent sports culture.

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is the home of 3 original podcasts covering University of Louisville sports and beyond:

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

It's 5:02 Somewhere (Louisville Interviews)

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Welcome to the Starting Five02 Player Preview Series presented by Alumni Hall! Jacob Lane, Alan Thomas, and Ryan Keeling are breaking down every player on Louisville's 2026-2027 basketball roster, starting with the man expected to run the show: Jackson Shelstad. The former Oregon point guard arrives in Louisville with three years of experience, a knack for the big moment, and an evolving offensive game. But with Flory Bidunga, Adrian Wooley, Seth Trimble, and a loaded supporting cast around him, what should his role actually look like? Is Shelstad Louisville's next leading scorer? Or is his greatest value unlocking everyone else?

Jacob, Ryan, and Alan break down the numbers, the tape, and what Shelstad brings to the Cardinals, including:

- His evolution as a playmaker and what the advanced stats tell us

- His ability to score at all three levels and take over late in games

- The potential of a Shelstad–Bidunga partnership

- How his game translates to Pat Kelsey's offense

- Defensive questions and his fit in John Andrzejek's system

- Our predictions for his first season in Louisville

Plus, we debate whether Shelstad can deliver the kind of impact Louisville has enjoyed from its recent point guards — and whether the Torvik projections are selling him short.

🔴 Subscribe to State of Louisville for more Louisville basketball coverage and Starting Five02

StartingFive02 is now presented by Alumni Hall! 

StartingFive02 is powered by Alumni Hall. Use promo code **SOL1912** for 10% off your order online at https://www.alumnihall.com/ or in store at 4600 Shelbyville Road.

Stay Connected:

https://stateoflouisville.com

https://tiktok.com/@stateoflouisville

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https://x.com/startingfive02/

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Support The State of Louisville by supporting our partners! 

Alumni Hall

Ellis and Badenhausen

Parlour Pizza

Parkside Realty

MyBookie

Cryo Lounge

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Main Event

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is your home for comprehensive coverage of the state of our city, its hometown teams, and its unique culture. Louisville sports culture is deeply woven into what makes this city special, where a pro city feel meets a college town vibe. Delivering the best in Louisville sports, news, and everything in between, we bring unique coverage to an uncompromising city.

In a city where fans are passionate and diverse, yet united as a tight-knit community, we’re committed to providing coverage that cuts to the core of what makes Louisville unique. Whether you’re a lifelong Louisvillian or just stopping by, The State of Louisville is for anyone who appreciates the city’s rich history and fervent sports culture.

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is the home of 3 original podcasts covering University of Louisville sports and beyond:

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

It's 5:02 Somewhere (Louisville Interviews)

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Louisville basketball is STILL adding to the roster in September.

Ryan and Alan break down the addition of Northern Kentucky transfer LJ Wells, what the veteran 6'8" forward brings to Pat Kelsey's roster, and why his rebounding, experience and versatility could make him a valuable depth piece for the Cards.

Then, there's some serious buzz building around Obinna Ekezie Jr. After missing much of the summer while working his way back from injury, the reclassified freshman big man is back on the floor — and he's already turning heads in practice. How big of a role could Ekezie play this season? And if he's ahead of schedule, how does Pat Kelsey find minutes in an increasingly crowded Louisville frontcourt?

Plus:

• Why offensive rebounding could become a major part of Louisville's identity

• Pat Kelsey's history developing and utilizing athletic bigs

• What the latest practice footage tells us about this roster

• PK rallies Card Nation ahead of Louisville–SMU

• Why the buzz around Louisville athletics continues to grow

StartingFive02 is now presented by Alumni Hall! 

StartingFive02 is powered by Alumni Hall. Use promo code **SOL1912** for 10% off your order online at https://www.alumnihall.com/ or in store at 4600 Shelbyville Road.

Stay Connected:

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https://tiktok.com/@stateoflouisville

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https://x.com/startingfive02/

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Support The State of Louisville by supporting our partners! 

Alumni Hall

Cryo Lounge

The Gridiron C.R.I.B. NFL Flag Football

Kern's Korner

Main Event

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is your home for comprehensive coverage of the state of our city, its hometown teams, and its unique culture. Louisville sports culture is deeply woven into what makes this city special, where a pro city feel meets a college town vibe. Delivering the best in Louisville sports, news, and everything in between, we bring unique coverage to an uncompromising city.

In a city where fans are passionate and diverse, yet united as a tight-knit community, we’re committed to providing coverage that cuts to the core of what makes Louisville unique. Whether you’re a lifelong Louisvillian or just stopping by, The State of Louisville is for anyone who appreciates the city’s rich history and fervent sports culture.

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is the home of 3 original podcasts covering University of Louisville sports and beyond:

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

It's 5:02 Somewhere (Louisville Interviews)

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Louisville basketball's 2026-27 schedule is officially set — and the Starting Five02 crew breaks down the biggest games, toughest stretches and what the path could look like for Pat Kelsey's Cardinals this season. Then we're putting on our GM hats. You have $15 to build the best possible starting five from the Pat Kelsey era at Louisville. Flory Bidunga, Mikel Brown Jr., Ryan Conwell and Chucky Hepburn headline the $5 tier, with plenty of steals — and controversy - farther down the board. Jacob and Alan build their teams, debate the best values on the board and try to construct the perfect five for $15.

StartingFive02 is now presented by Alumni Hall! 

StartingFive02 is powered by Alumni Hall. Use promo code **SOL1912** for 10% off your order online at https://www.alumnihall.com/ or in store at 4600 Shelbyville Road.

Stay Connected:

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Support The State of Louisville by supporting our partners! 

Alumni Hall

Cryo Lounge

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Kern's Korner

Main Event

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is your home for comprehensive coverage of the state of our city, its hometown teams, and its unique culture. Louisville sports culture is deeply woven into what makes this city special, where a pro city feel meets a college town vibe. Delivering the best in Louisville sports, news, and everything in between, we bring unique coverage to an uncompromising city.

In a city where fans are passionate and diverse, yet united as a tight-knit community, we’re committed to providing coverage that cuts to the core of what makes Louisville unique. Whether you’re a lifelong Louisvillian or just stopping by, The State of Louisville is for anyone who appreciates the city’s rich history and fervent sports culture.

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is the home of 3 original podcasts covering University of Louisville sports and beyond:

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

It's 5:02 Somewhere (Louisville Interviews)

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National basketball reporter of On3 Joe Tipton joins StartingFive02 Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about Seth Trimble, Louisville’s recruiting future and the new financial reality reshaping college basketball. Joe explains why Trimble would make a major difference for Pat Kelsey’s roster, evaluates Louisville’s incoming freshmen and provides the latest on several of the program’s top 2027 recruiting targets including #4 Demarcus Henry, #6 Reese Alston, #12 Darius Wabbington, and COMMIT Ferlandes Wright.

StartingFive02 is now presented by Alumni Hall!

StartingFive02 is powered by Alumni Hall. Use promo code **SOL1912** for 10% off your order online at https://www.alumnihall.com/ or in store at 4600 Shelbyville Road.

Stay Connected:

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https://x.com/startingfive02/

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Support The State of Louisville by supporting our partners! 

Alumni Hall

Cryo Lounge

The Gridiron C.R.I.B. NFL Flag Football

Kern's Korner

Main Event

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is your home for comprehensive coverage of the state of our city, its hometown teams, and its unique culture. Louisville sports culture is deeply woven into what makes this city special, where a pro city feel meets a college town vibe. Delivering the best in Louisville sports, news, and everything in between, we bring unique coverage to an uncompromising city.

In a city where fans are passionate and diverse, yet united as a tight-knit community, we’re committed to providing coverage that cuts to the core of what makes Louisville unique. Whether you’re a lifelong Louisvillian or just stopping by, The State of Louisville is for anyone who appreciates the city’s rich history and fervent sports culture.

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is the home of 3 original podcasts covering University of Louisville sports and beyond:

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

It's 5:02 Somewhere (Louisville Interviews)

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Seth Trimble saga isn't over — and Louisville's roster suddenly looks a lot different. Jacob Lane and Alan Thomas break down the latest twists in Trimble's eligibility battle and debate just how important he is to Louisville's championship ceiling. Is Trimble simply the final piece of an already-loaded roster, or do the Cards NEED him to make a legitimate run at a national title? Plus, London Johnson is officially no longer with the program. What does his departure mean for Louisville's suddenly thin backcourt, and should Pat Kelsey look to add another guard before the season? The guys also look ahead to 2027 recruiting, where Louisville has made the final seven for five-star point guard Reese Alston — the son of AND1 legend Rafer "Skip 2 My Lou" Alston.

On this episode:

The latest on Seth Trimble's eligibility

How worried should Louisville fans actually be?

Does Louisville need Trimble to win a national championship?

What London Johnson's departure means for the roster

Should Pat Kelsey add another guard?

Louisville's pursuit of five-star Reese Alston

Subscribe to State of Louisville for more Louisville basketball coverage and Starting 502.

Starting 502 is powered by Alumni Hall. Use promo code **SOL1912** for 10% off your order online at https://www.alumnihall.com/ or in store at 4600 Shelbyville Road.

Stay Connected:

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https://x.com/startingfive02/

https://.facebook.com/StateOfLouisville

Support The State of Louisville by supporting our partners! 

Alumni Hall

Cryo Lounge

The Gridiron C.R.I.B. NFL Flag Football

Kern's Korner

Main Event

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is your home for comprehensive coverage of the state of our city, its hometown teams, and its unique culture. Louisville sports culture is deeply woven into what makes this city special, where a pro city feel meets a college town vibe. Delivering the best in Louisville sports, news, and everything in between, we bring unique coverage to an uncompromising city.

In a city where fans are passionate and diverse, yet united as a tight-knit community, we’re committed to providing coverage that cuts to the core of what makes Louisville unique. Whether you’re a lifelong Louisvillian or just stopping by, The State of Louisville is for anyone who appreciates the city’s rich history and fervent sports culture.

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is the home of 3 original podcasts covering University of Louisville sports and beyond:

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

It's 5:02 Somewhere (Louisville Interviews)

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

StartingFive02 Podcast presented by Alumni Hall, welcomes Greg Waddell, co-owner of Sleepers Media, for a deep dive into just how high the expectations should be for Pat Kelsey and Louisville basketball in 2026-27. Greg has been one of Louisville's biggest believers nationally this offseason — and after the additions of Jackson Shelstad, Flory Bidunga, Seth Trimble and company, he believes the Cardinals have assembled one of the most talented rosters in college basketball. Ryan, Alan and Greg discuss why this Louisville roster is different from Pat Kelsey's first two teams, whether the Cardinals have enough to compete for a national championship, the importance of finally breaking through against elite competition, and why Duke could provide the ultimate measuring stick.Plus, the guys break down Louisville's loaded schedule, what it would take to earn a No. 1 or No. 2 seed, the Players Era tournament, Kentucky, Texas, Michigan, the ACC race, and much more.

StartingFive02 is powered by Alumni Hall. Visit their new Louisville location at 4600 Shelbyville Road or shop online at AlumniHall.com for Louisville Cardinals gear.

Subscribe to the State of Louisville YouTube channel and follow @TheStateofLou across social media.

Follow Greg Waddell and Sleepers Media for year-round college basketball coverage.

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Stay Connected:

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Support The State of Louisville by supporting our partners! 

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Main Event

Surfside

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is your home for comprehensive coverage of the state of our city, its hometown teams, and its unique culture. Louisville sports culture is deeply woven into what makes this city special, where a pro city feel meets a college town vibe. Delivering the best in Louisville sports, news, and everything in between, we bring unique coverage to an uncompromising city.

In a city where fans are passionate and diverse, yet united as a tight-knit community, we’re committed to providing coverage that cuts to the core of what makes Louisville unique. Whether you’re a lifelong Louisvillian or just stopping by, The State of Louisville is for anyone who appreciates the city’s rich history and fervent sports culture.

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is the home of 3 original podcasts covering University of Louisville sports and beyond:

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

It's 5:02 Somewhere (Louisville Interviews)

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy