if Isaac Brown's mother says he's playing, she knows what's up.
Brown's mother, Sabrina Jefferson, all but seemed to confirm Brown's return to the field through a post on Facebook. Louisville will take on Toledo in the Boca Raton Bowl today at 2 p.m. (EST). Brown has missed the past month with a lower-leg injury he suffered against Virginia Tech.
Isaac Brown’s mom says he’s going to play today pic.twitter.com/Xw7VLY6v0X
— Mark Blankenbaker (@UofLSheriff50) December 23, 2025
Before the injury, Brown, a third-team All-ACC performer, was on pace for another 1,000-yard season. At the time of his injury, Brown was playing his best football of the season. He had 130 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries against the Hokies and the week before, he had 205 yards against Boston College. For the season, Brown has 782 yards and five touchdowns on 91 carries for a whopping 8.6 yards per carry. He has five 100-yard games this season.
One can almost point the shift in Louisvile's season to Brown's injury. At the time Brown was injured, the Cardinals were ranked No. 14 and appeared to be the best team in the ACC. But with Brown out of the lineup, Louisville lost its next three games and dropped out of the top 25.
Brown is from Miami, about 60 miles south of the Boca Raton Bowl, and will likely have a huge contingent of family members in the stands today.
Brown may have a decision to make soon
Today's bowl game could be the last time we see Louisville as it's currently constructed. There is a lot of smoke surrounding Jeff Brohm and the Michigan job, and we'll likely get some answers this evening after the game or tomorrow.
Even if Brohm stays, Louisville is going to have to put together a strong financial package to retain Brown for another season. When he's healthy, Brown is one of the best running backs in the country, and he will have a large market of teams interested in bringing him on their roster.
One of the reasons Brohm would stay with Louisville would likely be how willing the school is to commit the financial resources to keeping a competitive roster and retaining players like Brown.