Entering the 2026 offseason, Louisville football fans had a gut feeling the Cardinals were going to lose a few key pieces, but the one they feared losing was key running back Isaac Brown. The Cardinals fans knew he was on transfer watch after the season ended, and then their nightmare came true on January 1, when Brown announced he was entering the portal.
With Louisville fans absolutely crushed, the Cardinals tried to find a way to bring him back. Well, Louisville landed its starting quarterback, Lincoln Kienholz, and rumors began to circulate that the Cardinals might be able to bring back their star RB. The Ohio State transfer has incredibly high expectations and allowed the Cardinals to save a lot of money, and with Louisville saving that much money, the Cardinals earned a massive update late Sunday night that the Cardinals avoided Brown entering the portal and will return.
With Louisville fans celebrating this news, an SEC giant was absolutely crushed as their dreams of stealing Brown from Louisville were gone.
Related: SEC giant emerges as overwhelming favorite to land Louisville star RB Isaac Brown
Texas football dreams shattered after Isaac Brown update
With rumors of Brown entering the portal in December, multiple teams were reportedly top markets for him. However, the No. 1 school that was going all-in on the star running back was the Texas Longhorns. Texas has been one of the top spots for elite running backs, producing multiple NFL running backs.
BREAKING: Louisville star running back Isaac Brown is staying with the Cardinals 🔥
— CFB Kings (@CFBKings) January 5, 2026
After reports that he intended to transfer and was crystal balled to Texas as the No. 1 portal RB, Brown will be remaining at Louisville.
Massive news for the Cardinals and the 2026 CFB season. pic.twitter.com/eLkrXuKaXg
Not only does Texas have a lot of money, and appeared to be a prime spot for Brown, but 247Sports logged a 100 percent Crystal Ball prediction of Texas landing Brown’s commitment. After 247Sports logged that prediction, it certainly felt like it was a lock for the Longhorns to get Brown, but Vince Marrow and Jeff Brohm had other plans.
Marrow and others did the dirty work Sunday night, negotiating a new contract with Brown and his agent. Louisville was able to earn Brown’s commitment once again, crushing Texas' dreams. To make it worse for the Longhorns, lost the Longhorns' 2025 leading rusher, Quintrevion Wisner, and two other running backs.
It felt like Texas was putting all its eggs in one basket, and Marrow and Louisville just crushed their dreams. Brown was a top 15 player in the Transfer Portal and was the No. 1 running back.
Related:Â Who's coming and who's going: Louisville football 2026 Transfer Portal tracker
For all the latest recruiting news and updates for Louisville football, stay tuned.