Louisville running back Isaac Brown has announced his intention to enter the transfer portal. The dynamic playmaker immediately becomes one of the most exciting, sought-after talents available via the portal. Brown has been electric for the Cardinals, rushing for 2,057 yards and 18 touchdowns across his first two campaigns.
The 2024 ACC Rookie of the Year burst onto the scene last season as a true freshman by accumulating 1,527 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns. This past campaign, Brown earned third-team All-ACC honors after rushing for 884 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging an explosive 8.75 yards per carry. Brown missed four games in November with a lower leg injury, preventing him from capturing another 1,000-yard rushing season.
Brown is among college football's most talented prospects. The transfer portal officially opens on Friday and extends through Jan. 16. We've identified three potential landing spots for Brown via the portal.
Texas
Texas is the immediate favorite to land Brown in the portal, according to reports. The Longhorns have been searching the country for weeks for a dynamic running back to pair with Arch Manning in the backfield in 2026. Brown attached a do-not-contact clause on his portal entry, restricting schools from contacting him throughout the process.
It strongly suggests Brown and his representation have landing spots in mind. Texas is expected to be the heavy favorite throughout the process. The Longhorns missed the College Football Playoff this season. Adding Brown to a dynamic offense would increase Steve Sarkisian's chances of competing for a National Championship in 2026.
Alabama
The lack of a quality rushing attack doomed Alabama this season. The Crimson Tide saw its disappointing campaign reach its conclusion with a 38-3 blowout loss to Indiana in the Rose Bowl. A strong showing in the transfer portal could help Alabama return to dominance in the SEC next season, especially if Ty Simspon returns at quarterback.
Jam Miller was Alabama's leading rusher this past season. He rushed for 504 yards and averaged 3.9 yards per carry. Kalen DeBoer's offense was completely one-dimensional this year. Brown would add some much-needed home run ability to Alabama's backfield.
Miami
Miami is in the midst of an exciting CFP run. The No. 10 seed Hurricanes upset Texas A&M in the first round and then shocked Ohio State to qualify for the semifinal. Miami is playing like a legitimate National Championship contender.
Running back Mark Fletcher Jr. has been the unsung hero of Miami's championship run. He rushed 172 yards and a touchdown in the win over the Aggies. Fletcher Jr. followed up that performance with 115 yards from scrimmage and another TD in the triumph over the Buckeyes. The Hurricanes have become a run-first offense. Brown hails from Miami, Florida. Local ties and recent performances should make Brown consider transferring to his hometown program.