Education General Sports

West College grad didn’t let football setbacks stop his mission

Andy Newberry
28 May 2026
4 min read

Devean Isaac envisioned himself becoming a key contributor to the Midwestern State University football team after being recruited by then–defensive coordinator and now head coach Rich Renner.

On the field that hasn’t worked out according to plan. Isaac, a middle linebacker, lost two seasons to knee injuries. But Isaac found a home away from home at MSU Texas and in Wichita Falls. And that all-out effort, which made him a high school football star at Longview High School, has now made him a proud college graduate with a bachelor’s degree in education.

But he’s not leaving MSU Texas just yet. Isaac has worked hard to get himself ready to play football in 2026 and competed in the spring game for the Mustangs. He will continue his education by pursuing his master’s degree in sports administration.

Isaac admitted he didn’t arrive in 2022 with the same academic determination he has today. But when football gave him a setback, he wasn’t about to give up on himself or his education. He said his strong faith helped him earn that victory in the classroom, along with strong mentorship from Renner. He decided to attack reps in the classroom the way he’d always done the same on the practice field.

“Devean is a great kid; he’s an overcomer, tore his ACL and could have easily given it up,” Renner said.

“My thing is I’m no quitter; I’ve always finished what I start,” Isaac said. “I attack everything that I do. You’ve got to support the last name (family). I wanted to be able to take this blessing, take this opportunity, and go somewhere.”

In an era where the transfer portal has made long-term college careers increasingly rare, Isaac faced his own decision. Several players from his freshman class moved on, and he considered doing the same. Ultimately, he chose to stay and finish what he started at MSU Texas.

Renner is happy to see the way Isaac succeeded academically and respects the linebacker’s motivation to finish strong on the field. He believes Isaac can be effective on the field and as a mature leader on the team.

“He had a really good spring,” Renner said. “He’s one of those players you’re really proud of. He struggled academically at first, then he really turned it on. He needed us then. He’s got football savvy, maturity, and some wisdom behind him. That’s something we need.”

Isaac was able to find an internship with MSU Athletics in the sports information department. He said he’s always had an interest in media and graphic design, and he enjoyed focusing on that skill set with Cameron Brennan and Pete Stein with the MSU Mustangs. And he said graduate assistant Titus Howard helped open doors for him, too.

Devean Isaac standing with jeans and his graduation attire

His internship helped him sharpen the skills he hopes to use in his career. But Isaac didn’t want to say goodbye to competing on the field. Not yet!

Isaac was able to find an internship with MSU Athletics in the sports information department. He said he’s always had an interest in media and graphic design, and he enjoyed focusing on that skill set with Cameron Brennan and Pete Stein with the MSU Mustangs. And he said graduate assistant Titus Howard helped open doors for him, too.

His internship helped him sharpen the skills he hopes to use in his career. But Isaac didn’t want to say goodbye to competing on the field. Not yet!

“I had to lock in and realize no one is going to save me but me,” Isaac said. “The thought of playing again is what drove me. A lot of these guys don’t get the opportunity to do this. I got guys back home who would kill to be on the football team and get an education and have a chance to do something better with their lives. And it’s also to make my family proud.”

Renner, who believes Isaac can be a football coach if that’s what he chooses, was able to relate to him both as a student and a player battling through injury. And that’s the advice Isaac wants to pass to others. “It’s not always going to be pretty – not every rep is pretty – but as long as you stick with it (you’ll succeed),” Isaac said. “It’s all up to you and your mentality.”

Family and faith helped him not just survive but thrive without the payoff of playing football the past two years. He’s excited about the upcoming season after earning his degree.

“I have to give thanks to God for giving me the opportunity here because MSU has been a blessing. I’ve met a lot of good people here, in football and outside of football. And I have to thank my family for supporting me through this whole journey. We don’t have everything in the world, but they just support me, and I love them for that.”

The Mustangs open the 2026 season with a home game against Missouri Southern at Memorial Stadium.

Isaac wants to be part of a revival at MSU Texas. When he arrived the program was coming off a conference championship season in 2021, and he saw those rings his teammates proudly wore. Since then the Mustangs have gone 3-6 in the Lone Star Conference in consecutive seasons.

“I want to earn one of those rings,” Isaac said.

Now healthy and experienced, Isaac is preparing for something new — his first full season as a college graduate. With his degree in hand and renewed confidence, he’s ready to attack every rep with a perspective shaped by adversity, growth, and perseverance.