Louisville football went from having only one returning starting defensive back to three.
Three days after cornerback Jabari Mack reportedly returned to the Cardinals' squad under the new 5-for-5 rule, 2025 starting safety D'Angelo Hutchinson announced on social media Tuesday, Aug. 18, that he'll do the same.
Hutchinson is a modern-day rarity having spent his whole career at Louisville. He was a role player for most of that time before earning a starting spot last season. Hutchinson capitalized on the opportunity, becoming the Cardinals’ second-leading tackler (84) and tying defensive lineman Clev Lubin and Tayon Holloway, who was previously the lone returning starting cornerback, with the second-most pass breakups (5).
His return gives UofL more continuity at the safety spot after the squad also lost starting safety Jojo Evans to graduation. Although the influx of transfer safeties has had eight months to acclimate, Hutchinson’s extensive familiarity with the system will be key in having another leader in the room. Prior to his return, the Cardinals were looking to Iowa transfer Koen Entringer and Tennessee transfer Kaleb Beasley to provide veteran leadership and become the team's starting safeties.
Hutchinson's return creates competition for the starting roles with the Cards' season opener against Ole Miss a little less than three weeks away.
Reach Louisville football, women's basketball and baseball beat writer Alexis Cubit at acubit@gannett.com and follow her on X at @Alexis_Cubit.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville football brings back D'Angelo Hutchinson under 5-for-5 rule