Kearney, Neb. – Nebraska Kearney head football coach Ryan Held announced today that running back Isaiah Harris will return to the program this fall.

The Millard South and UNK graduate recently was granted an NCAA waiver to play in 2026. The 2024 second-team All-MIAA pick suffered a season-ending injury in the third quarter at Washburn last fall. To that point, he had 89 carries for a league-best 698 yards (7.8 ypc; 139.6 ypg) and six touchdowns. He also had five receptions for 34 yards; he was injured catching a pass vs. the Ichabods. 

"I'm probably more nervous than excited, but I'm also just ready to be back in that football-mindset of just going," said Harris. "Once I'm in that headspace, it's easier for me to shut everything out."

Harris was at Nebraska from the fall of 2020 to the fall of 2023. He then joined the Lopers in the spring of 2024 and ran for 825 yards and eight scores that fall. At Millard South, Harris ran for 3,468 yards and 52 scores between 2016-19.

"As soon as I read the text, so many things popped in my head. Financially, moving and I get to do this again. This is what we've been wanting for eight months now," said Harris. "It didn't feel correct and the way it was supposed to end. Hopefully, I can make it through this season and feel a lit bit more accomplished."

The Lopers are stacked in the backfield as the room features senior Stone Wilson (245 yards in five games, four TD's), junior Quincey Ryker (731 yards, seven TD's at Chadron State), sophomores Ty Cozad (464 yards, three TD's at Morningside) and Jayvin Norman (432 kick return yards at Eastern Michigan). A talented group of redshirt and true freshmen are aboard as well.

UNK begins fall camp Aug. 3. The first game set for Aug. 27 (Thurs.) vs. Wayne State at Cope Stadium.