By Alvon Isaac Could Become USF Football’s Most Versatile Offensive Weapon in 2026
TAMPA — When USF offensive coordinator Tim Beck begins looking for ways to create mismatches this season, one of the most intriguing pieces on his board might be running back Alvon Isaac.
Calling Isaac simply a running back doesn’t completely describe what he brings to the Bulls.
He can run between the tackles. He can get to the edge. He can catch the football out of the backfield. He has experience lining up as a receiver.
And when USF needs an explosive play in the return game, Isaac has already shown he can provide that, too.
That’s why Isaac could emerge as one of the most versatile weapons in Brian Hartline’s first USF offense.
Isaac’s 2025 Numbers Show His Versatility
Isaac played all 13 games and made two starts last season, finishing with 350 rushing yards on 73 carries, an average of 4.8 yards per attempt.
He added 14 receptions for 141 yards, giving him 491 yards from scrimmage.
But that’s only part of the story.
Isaac returned 10 kickoffs for 224 yards, averaging 22.4 yards per return, and six punts for 126 yards, an impressive 21 yards per return. Altogether, he finished third on the Bulls with 841 all-purpose yards.
His ability to contribute in so many areas earned Isaac a spot on the 2026 Paul Hornung Award preseason watch list, which annually recognizes the most versatile player in major college football.
At 5-foot-9 and 190 pounds, Isaac combines a compact running style with legitimate breakaway speed. He ran the 100 meters in high school and has the acceleration to turn a small opening into a big play.
USF saw that immediately last season.
Against Boise State, Isaac ripped off a 49-yard run and led the Bulls with 52 rushing yards.
Against Florida, he produced 85 all-purpose yards and caught four passes for 49 yards, including a critical 29-yard screen on USF’s game-winning drive.
Later against South Carolina State, Isaac produced 110 punt-return yards, the fourth-highest single-game total in program history.
More Than a Traditional Running Back
Perhaps the most interesting part of Isaac’s game is that receiving isn’t something USF added after he arrived in Tampa.
During his senior season at Hawthorne High School, Isaac transitioned primarily to wide receiver and caught 47 passes for 974 yards and 17 touchdowns.
The year before, while primarily playing running back, he rushed for 1,155 yards while adding 367 receiving yards.
That background gives Beck options.
Isaac can begin a play beside the quarterback and motion into the slot.
He can run screens, swing passes, and wheel routes.
USF can put him in space against linebackers or use his speed on jet-motion concepts.
That kind of versatility can force a defense to declare what it is doing without USF changing personnel.
Isaac Making His Case in Camp
USF’s running-back room is deep, so Isaac isn’t simply being handed the featured role.
D.J. Crowther, Jason Collins Jr., Chase Garnett and others give the Bulls several options. Hartline said during the spring that USF feels “really good” about its running-back depth and has multiple players who can carry the ball.
Isaac, however, brings a different dimension.
Early fall-camp observations have reinforced the belief that running back could be one of USF’s deepest position groups.
Isaac entered camp as the Bulls’ leading returning rusher, and the offensive possibilities surrounding him extend well beyond his number of carries.
The Bulls don’t necessarily need Isaac to carry the football 20 times per game to make a major impact.
His value will come from forcing defenses to account for him whenever he enters the formation.
Former USF coach Alex Golesh called Isaac a “really, really good football player” and praised his willingness to contribute across special teams while continuing to develop offensively.
Isaac explained how his game evolved last season.
“I’m a fast guy, but you have to be patient and know when to hit the hole,” Isaac said. “You can’t just outrun people at this level. They’re too good.”
He added a description of what he believes he can become:
“I can be a home-run hitter, but I’ve also learned to be patient.”
A Potential Wild Card for the Bulls
That home-run ability is what makes Isaac so intriguing in Beck’s offense.
USF wants to become more physical without sacrificing explosiveness and gives the Bulls a chance to do both.
Isaac’s 841 all-purpose yards last season provided a glimpse of what he can do.
This season, with an offense looking for playmakers and a coaching staff moving him around the formation, those opportunities could increase.
The Paul Hornung Award watch list recognizes players capable of impacting games in multiple ways.
That’s exactly what Isaac could become for USF.
One of the most versatile offensive weapons on the Bulls’ roster.
