Overview
- Brown had announced on Jan. 1 he would enter the portal, but his name never appeared as Louisville negotiated his return during the Jan. 2–16 window.
- On3 first reported his decision, ESPN confirmed via a source, and Cardinals general manager Vince Marrow signaled the outcome with a post on X.
- ESPN reports Brown agreed to a new deal that prevents him from testing the open market.
- Texas, Notre Dame and Miami were expected suitors, and Texas outlets framed the reversal as a setback for the Longhorns’ running back plans.
- Across two seasons Brown has 2,057 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns; he missed time late in 2025 with a lower‑leg injury but returned to rush for 102 yards and two scores in the Boca Raton Bowl.