Chase Brown College Legacy: How The Illinois Star Paved His Way To The NFL Gridiron
As the Cincinnati Bengals finalize their roster ahead of the 2026 NFL regular season, running back Chase Brown remains one of the most intriguing young talents on the depth chart. To understand his current trajectory in professional football, one must look back at his explosive college career, which established him as one of the most resilient and productive running backs in recent Big Ten history.
| Category | Career Collegiate Statistics & Details |
|---|---|
| Colleges Attended | Western Michigan (2018), University of Illinois (2019–2022) |
| Total Rushing Yards | 3,558 Yards |
| Total Touchdowns | 18 Rushing, 3 Receiving |
| Key Accolades | Jon Cornish Trophy Winner (2022), Second-team All-American (2022) |
| NFL Draft Entry | 2023 NFL Draft (Round 5, Pick 163 by Cincinnati) |
From Kalamazoo to Champaign: Redefining the Fighting Illini Ground Game
Chase Brown’s college journey began at Western Michigan University in 2018. As a true freshman, he showed flashes of potential, rushing for 352 yards on 71 carries. Looking to challenge himself at the highest level of collegiate competition, the London, Ontario native entered the transfer portal and committed to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2019.
At Illinois, Brown transitioned from a depth piece into an absolute workhorse under head coach Bret Bielema. Playing alongside his identical twin brother, safety Sydney Brown, Chase brought an infectious work ethic to the Fighting Illini. His breakout campaign arrived in 2022, when he carried the ball 328 times for 1,643 yards and nine touchdowns.
During that historic 2022 season, Brown ran for over 100 yards in 10 consecutive games, demonstrating unmatched consistency against physical Big Ten defenses. He became just the third player in Illinois history to record back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons, cementing his status as a program legend before declaring for the professional ranks.
How College Performance Translated to NFL Production
NFL scouts heavily scrutinized Brown’s heavy workload in college, but his durability became his greatest selling point. His collegiate tape highlighted several key traits that have successfully translated to his professional career:
- Yards After Contact: Brown averaged over 3.0 yards after contact during his final collegiate season, showcasing elite lower-body power and balance.
- Receiving Versatility: He caught 48 passes during his time in college, proving he could serve as a reliable check-down option in passing situations.
- Track-Level Speed: At the NFL Scouting Combine, Brown clocked a blazing 4.43-second 40-yard dash, validating the breakaway speed he frequently displayed on Saturdays in Champaign.
By the time he finished his tenure at Illinois, Brown was named a finalist for the prestigious Doak Walker Award, given annually to the nation's top collegiate running back. His ability to handle heavy volume while maintaining high efficiency made him an incredibly valuable asset for the Bengals when they selected him in the fifth round of the 2023 draft.
What Happened to Chase Brown? Latest on Bengals RB's Lower-Body Injury ...
Bengals 2026 Season Outlook and Chase Brown's Evolving Role
As of August 2026, Chase Brown is preparing for a pivotal campaign in Cincinnati. With the NFL preseason underway, team coaches have pointed to his collegiate foundation as the primary reason for his rapid development in pass protection and zone-running schemes.
For fans tracking his progress, Brown’s rise from a transfer student to an NFL contributor serves as a masterclass in development. As the Bengals chase a deep postseason run this year, the tough, yard-grinding run style that Brown perfected during his college days will be vital for keeping offense balanced and dynamic.
