For the first time since 2007, Louisville football is getting a little preseason top 25 love.

Athlon announced on Thursday that the Cardinals are No. 23 in their preseason publication, which hits stores on June 12.

"Louisville looks to be the clear-cut leader in the Big East this season," says Athlon Sports Managing Editor Mitch Light. "The Cardinals are headed in the right direction under Charlie Strong, and the offense should be much-improved in quarterback Teddy Bridgewater's second season."

Athlon previews Louisville, asks whether or not the Cardinals can run the table in the Big East, and lists U of L's top ten players as such:

10. Eli Roges, WR

9. Calvin Pryor, S

8. Roy Philon, DT

7. DeVante Parker, WR

6. Preston Brown, LB

5. Marcus Smith, DE

4. Adrian Bushell, CB

3. Mario Benavides, C

2. Hakeem Smith, S

1. Teddy Bridgewater, QB

Also worth a read:

Louisville 2012 Predictions
Top Ten Louisville Players Since 1967
The Greatest Moments In Louisville Football History

It feels so good to be back.