Willie Martinez knew Kaleb Beasley was a starter.
Tennessee’s former secondary coach valued Beasley’s athleticism and intellect and knew there had to be a place for the cornerback among the Vols’ first-team defense. But that place never came on Tennessee's team, and it didn't come as a cornerback. Martinez moved Beasley to safety in 2025, and Beasley soon moved on.
After transferring to Louisville, Beasley has continued to prove Martinez right. The Nashville native is the only defensive back to start in every game for the Cardinals this season. And in only his second season playing safety, Beasley has four interceptions, which is tied for second nationally, and is tied for second on the team in pass breakups (three) with the third-most total tackles (42) heading into Louisville’s game at Syracuse.
Louisville cornerbacks coach Steve Ellis had recruited Beasley as a high schooler but got him to join the Cards on his second attempt. Beasley was more apt to do so this time because he wanted to learn how to play in different kinds of coverages after mostly playing man as a cornerback.
The willingness to diversify and expand his skill set while already being a versatile player has made him an asset. In addition to his background as a cornerback, Beasley can play both safety spots, which came in handy when Koen Entringer missed time with an injury. Beasley moved to free safety against NC State, and TJ Banks started at strong safety.
“I feel like it was a really good thing for me. I honestly like safety better than corner,” Beasley said of his transition during the preseason. “I get more vision on the quarterback. I get to come down to tackle, play in the box. I get to cover slots. So I like it for sure.”
Beasley’s vision was crystal clear against SMU. He helped Louisville to its first-ever win over the Mustangs by picking off quarterback Kevin Jennings twice and adding 10 tackles.
And the 20/20 vision was there again during UofL’s 44-20 win over Florida State. During the second quarter, the Seminoles were up 14-0 and knocking on the door to go up by 21. On fourth-and-goal from the 2-yard line, Beasley kept his eyes on receiver Jason Lopez, who motioned right and caught the pass at the 5-yard line. He stuffed Lopez for a short loss and turnover on downs.
FSU’s only other trip to the red zone in the game came in the fourth quarter, resulting in Ashton Daniels’ 2-yard touchdown pass that snapped the Cardinals’ 35-0 scoring run. Beasley then iced the game by picking off Daniels’ final pass for his fourth interception of the season.
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“KB is an elite playmaker,” cornerback Tayon Holloway said. “He’s always in the right spot. He works hard. He does the right things all the time.”
UofL needs Beasley’s breakout season to continue if it wants to salvage its own. The Cardinals had a rough first half of the 2026 campaign, marred by defensive breakdowns, but seemed to turn a corner against FSU. Beasley and the Cards’ defense will likely face a Syracuse offense down to its fourth-string quarterback — Georgetown transfer Danny Lauter. Louisville also hasn’t beaten the Orange on the road in 10 years, which has all the makings for another heroic performance from Beasley.
“He's been a huge bonus for us,” Cards coach Jeff Brohm said. “We need him to play and to play well and be one of our best playmakers. For the most part, he's stepped up and made plays when we needed to. ... He's definitely somebody that we have to have back there as much as we can now.”
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: How Kaleb Beasley's position change has boosted Louisville football defense