Texas Man Indicted on Terroristic Threat Charges After Louisville's Heartbreaking Overtime Loss to Cal

Louisville, Ky. – November 10, 2025  In a chilling escalation of fan frustration turned violent rhetoric, a 38-year-old Texas man faces multiple felony charges after allegedly unleashing a barrage of terroristic threats against University of Louisville football coach Jeff Brohm, his family, and key team members in the wake of the Cardinals' gut-wrenching overtime defeat to California. The incident, which unfolded over the weekend, has prompted swift action from authorities and a resolute statement from the university, underscoring the dark underbelly of sports passion in an era of heightened online vitriol.

Brian S. Mandel, a resident of Corpus Christi, Texas, was indicted Monday by a Jefferson County grand jury on six counts of second-degree terroristic threatening and one count of attempted theft by extortion exceeding $10,000. Court documents reveal the alleged threats were made on November 8 and 9—mere hours after Louisville's 29-26 overtime loss to the Golden Bears at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium, where a fourth-down touchdown sealed the visitors' victory and left Cardinals fans reeling from what many called a "stolen" game.

Among the targets: Brohm's wife and children, offensive coordinator Brian Brohm (the coach's brother), and star quarterback Miller Moss, whose pivotal role in the team's offense has made him a lightning rod for both praise and misplaced blame. Prosecutors allege Mandel attempted to extort Moss specifically, demanding a hefty sum under threat of harm—a charge that elevates the case from mere online ranting to a calculated bid for financial gain.

While Mandel has been formally indicted, he remains at large, with an arrest warrant issued by Jefferson Circuit Court. Judge [redacted] set his bond at $100,000 cash, and he is slated for arraignment later this month. No motive beyond the game's outcome is detailed in the indictment, but sources close to the investigation suggest the threats were disseminated via social media and direct messages, amplifying a toxic echo chamber of post-loss outrage.

University of Louisville athletics responded forcefully Monday evening, releasing a statement that condemned the threats while reaffirming their commitment to player and staff safety. "We are aware of the recent indictment of an individual who issued threats directed at our head football coach, his wife and kids, members of his coaching staff, and student-athletes," the statement read. "Our student-athletes and coaches deserve to compete, learn, and grow without fear. We are committed to supporting them and reinforcing the values of respect, integrity, and accountability that define our program. We ask our fans and community members to join us in fostering a culture of positivity and support, both on and off the field."

The episode arrives at a precarious moment for college football, where the pressure cooker of high-stakes games increasingly spills into real-world dangers. Brohm, in his third season at Louisville helm after stints at Purdue and Western Kentucky, has steered the Cardinals to a respectable 6-3 record this year, buoyed by Moss's transfer from USC and a high-octane offense. Yet Saturday's loss—a defensive stand gone awry in OT—ignited a firestorm of criticism that, for Mandel, apparently crossed into criminal territory.

Law enforcement officials hailed the rapid indictment as a deterrent. "Threats of violence have no place in our community or in sports," Louisville Metro Police said in a joint release with university officials. "We will continue to work closely with authorities to ensure a safe environment for all."