In a significant development for the University of Louisville’s football program, two of its standout players, quarterback Tyler Shough and defensive end Ashton Gillotte, have declared their intentions to leave the team to pursue professional careers. Both athletes have opted out of participating in the upcoming Sun Bowl against Washington, focusing instead on preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Tyler Shough’s Departure

Tyler Shough, who transferred to Louisville in December 2023 after stints at Oregon and Texas Tech, made a notable impact during his tenure with the Cardinals. In the 2024 season, he led the team to an 8-4 regular-season record, including a 5-3 mark in Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play. Shough’s performance was highlighted by a four-touchdown, 342-yard passing game in a narrow 52-45 loss to the University of Miami and a pivotal role in a 33-21 upset victory over Clemson on the road.

Statistically, Shough concluded the season with 3,195 passing yards and 23 touchdowns, ranking 14th in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) for total yards and tied for 22nd in passing touchdowns. His averages of 266.3 passing yards and 1.92 touchdowns per game place him second in Louisville’s all-time records for these categories.

On December 11, 2024, Shough announced his decision to opt out of the Sun Bowl to prepare for the NFL Draft. Subsequently, on December 17, he was honored as one of the recipients of the Comeback Player of the Year award by the College Sports Communicators, recognizing his resilience and performance during the season. He has also accepted an invitation to participate in the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl, further showcasing his readiness for the next level.

Ashton Gillotte’s Exit

Defensive end Ashton Gillotte has also declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, opting out of the Sun Bowl to focus on his professional aspirations. Throughout the 2024 season, Gillotte was a formidable presence on the defensive line, recording 47 quarterback pressures over 12 starts. He amassed 43 tackles, leading the team with 10.0 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. His standout performance came against Pittsburgh, where he notched 3.0 tackles for loss and two sacks.

Gillotte’s contributions earned him a spot on the All-ACC second team, underscoring his impact and value to the Cardinals’ defense. His decision to declare for the draft marks the culmination of a distinguished collegiate career, as he now sets his sights on the professional stage.

Impact on the Team

The departures of Shough and Gillotte represent significant losses for Louisville as they prepare to face Washington in the Sun Bowl. In addition to these two, wide receiver Ja’Corey Brooks and cornerback Quincy Riley have also opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft. These absences will necessitate adjustments from the coaching staff and present opportunities for other players to step up in the upcoming bowl game.

Head coach Jeff Brohm acknowledged the challenges posed by these departures but emphasized the importance of the bowl game as a platform for remaining players to showcase their abilities. He noted that the game serves as an audition for many, with performances potentially influencing decisions and roles for the next season.

Looking Ahead

As Shough and Gillotte transition toward professional careers, their contributions to Louisville’s football program will be remembered. Their decisions to declare for the NFL Draft reflect their readiness to compete at the highest level and the culmination of their hard work and dedication during their collegiate careers.

For the Cardinals, these departures, while impactful, also open the door for emerging talent to make their mark. The upcoming Sun Bowl and subsequent seasons will provide opportunities for new leaders to emerge and for the team to build upon the foundation laid by departing players.

In summary, the official announcements from Tyler Shough and Ashton Gillotte to leave the University of Louisville football program to pursue NFL careers mark a significant transition for both the players and the team. Their impressive performances have left a lasting legacy, and their absence will be felt as the Cardinals move forward into the postseason and beyond.