After a roller coaster of emotions for Louisville football fans, superstar running back Isaac Brown ultimately decided to return to Louisville for a third season. After toying with the idea of leaving for Texas, Brown chose to come back to the place where he built his reputation as a big-play back capable of taking over games. After rushing for 1,173 yards on 165 carries with 11 touchdowns in 2024, Brown followed it up with 884 yards on just 101 carries and seven touchdowns this past season. Though he had fewer carries in fewer games, his yards per carry jumped from 7.1 to an eye-popping 8.8.
Early in the portal process, it looked as though Brown was all but certain to end up at Texas. Then, a late “Hail Mary” effort brought him back to Louisville and to an offense that desperately needs him. With new pieces all over the offense after losing starters like Miller Moss, Chris Bell, and Caullin Lacy, along with depth players such as Duke Watson, getting Isaac Brown to return is massive for Jeff Brohm and an offense that relies heavily on the run game. His presence will also help ease the transition for several new faces who will be running Brohm’s scheme for the first time next season.
Here are five Louisville football players who benefit from Isaac Brown returning.