Louisville got the update it wanted on Isaac Brown.
After a fall camp that saw the star running back limited and out for the early portion of practice, Brown is now expected to be a full go for the Cardinals’ Week 1 matchup with Ole Miss, according to Pete Nakos of On3 Sports. Louisville coach Jeff Brohm had already hinted the trend was moving in the right direction earlier this week, and now the injury picture is much clearer heading into the opener.
“Apparently, we just got to get him a little healthier,” stated Brohm. “Once we do, he'll be out there practicing. That's about all I got for that."
Nakos also reported that Louisville offensive tackle Anwar O’Neal is set to miss the opening weeks of the season.
Brown’s availability matters because Louisville knows exactly what he brings when he’s right. Even while dealing with injuries in 2025, he still put together a strong season, missing five games but appearing in eight full ones. In those games, the Cardinals went 7-1, including a road win over the No. 2-ranked Miami Hurricanes.
Brown finished last season with 101 carries for 884 yards and seven touchdowns, and he led the nation in yards per carry at 8.8. He also topped 100 rushing yards in six games, including a 113-yard outing against Miami.
That kind of production will be essential if Louisville wants to spring an upset over No. 9 Ole Miss in Week 1. Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding said earlier this week that Brown is one of the best running backs in the country and made it clear the Rebels’ focus is on slowing him down.
For Louisville, the formula is simple: get Brown going early. The Cardinals are 10-1 when he rushes for at least 100 yards, and 6-4 when he stays below that mark. If Brown is truly full strength, Louisville’s offense has the kind of centerpiece it needs to challenge an experienced Ole Miss defense.
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