Antonio Watts to miss remainder of season with knee injury

Antonio Watts, a linebacker and safety for the 16th-ranked Louisville Cardinals, will miss the remainder of the 2026 season due to a knee injury. The injury occurred during practice.

Watts, a preseason All-American, has played all five of his seasons with Louisville. Last season, he earned All-ACC honors after recording 42 tackles, three interceptions, and forcing three fumbles. In the first three games of the current season, he recorded seven tackles and one pass defensed.

The loss of Watts is considered a significant blow to the Cardinals' defense. Potential replacements for his STAR position include Blake Ruffin, Ben Perry, or moving safety Koen Entringer to the role.