ISAAC BROWN #1
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 190lb
Position: RB
Class: Junior
Hometown: Miami, FL
Summary: This is another one of those posts that should be easy to write, but can actually pose a challenge as to where to even start. The injuries from last year created a situation where we got to see the real value of some other backs in the room, but it was noticeable when Isaac couldn’t go. Following a breakout freshman season many saw Isaac as a significant piece of the offense, and for him to miss four games
was a big reason as to why the Cards lost three of them, and why many assumed the time of Isaac Brown in a Louisville jersey had come to a close as the success of the year tailed off. Not so fast my friend.
In one of the more surprising developments in the offseason the “recruitment” of Isaac Brown turned from “I wonder who is going to get him” to “wait…can we still get him?” in a matter of hours. Before the shock had worn off Brown was getting interviewed in a hotel lobby telling fans he was coming back, and the expectations for 2026 went from being high to having us most fans reach for the nearest ladder. Adding a Top 5 running back to your roster changes things, and that is what I honestly believe Isaac Brown can be in college football in 2026.
We’ve seen enough games, we know the concerns. Yes, health is number one on the list, but with splitting the load with Keyjuan again, and having a room full of guys who can tote it for a few carries each week when needed, I hope the wear and tear drops a bit. Secondly, we have to get Brown to protect the ball. I don’t want to blow this out of proportion as he only lost two fumbles last year and two in 2024, but the time, score and situation made them absolutely brutal turnovers. If he is trusted to carry it, he must protect it, and I think that has been a big emphasis this offseason.
It wasn’t long ago there were people on the internet losing their minds because the Cards had lost a top rated running back in the country (who even got a 502 tattoo prior to the flip). Now, the Cards sit on a room of backs that arguably is Top 5 nationally and has produced NFL caliber talent every year since Brohm and Barclay arrived. I think we see Isaac added to that list in 2026.
*****
JABARI MACK #1
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 185lb
Position: DB
Class: Fifth Year
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Summary: Lets just go ahead and get these out of the way now… Here is where I reference ‘Return Of The Mack’ and the Michael Scott “Snip, Snap, Snip, Snap’ gif to mirror the craziness of Mack’s eligibility over the last few weeks. Now, with that out of the way, lets assume Mack is 100% eligible and will be a participant in the entire 2026 football season for Louisville.
Welcome back, Mack. Joining Louisville last year from Jacksonville State Jabari was a reoccuring depth piece in the secondary that helped create a few notable plays, and was a responsible for a couple interceptions, and pass breakups, along with finishing eleventh on the team in tackles (34). I have some thoughts on the whole late addition to the roster, but the ultimate question is do I trust the staff in bringing back a player who knows the system and that it will be of greater value than it will be detrimental or a distraction. If the answer is yes, then I’m good and we move on. If the answer is no….that’s a different post altogether. Mack, in my opinion, is not a game changing player who will individually win Louisville football games, but it’s a nice addition as it relates to his knowledge of the defense, his playmaking skillset, and if nothing else, another set of fresh and reliable legs in the secondary. I think he will hit some highlight reels this year for various reasons, and adding another vet to the room should never go unnoticed. Glad to have him back….lets keep it that way NCAA.
