Before breaking out on the biggest stage with the Kansas City Chiefs, Isiah Pacheco forged his own legacy by playing second fiddle in one of college football’s biggest conferences. A star-in-the-making during his time in the Big Ten, where did Pacheco go to college, and how did he parlay that into the NFL?
Isiah Pacheco’s Remarkable Journey From the Big Ten to Big Stage
Pacheco had a highly productive and resilient career at Rutgers, emerging as one of the most dependable and hard-working players on the team. A native of Vineland, New Jersey, Pacheco arrived at Rutgers in 2018 as a three-star recruit.
Despite the team’s struggles in the Big Ten, Pacheco quickly became a bright spot in the Scarlet Knights’ offense, known for his toughness, speed, and ability to grind out tough yards, making him a key player for Rutgers throughout his collegiate career.
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Pacheco’s impact was immediate during his freshman season in 2018. Despite sharing carries in a crowded backfield, he rushed for 551 yards on 111 carries, averaging an impressive 5.0 yards per carry, and scored three touchdowns. His breakout performance came against Michigan, where he rushed for 142 yards and a touchdown, including an 80-yard run that showcased his explosiveness.
Pacheco’s ability to break long runs and his tough, physical style of running made him stand out in the Scarlet Knights’ offense, which struggled overall during the season. His freshman campaign hinted at his potential to be a cornerstone of the Rutgers offense in the years to come.
In 2019, as a sophomore, Pacheco solidified himself as the lead back for Rutgers. He rushed for 729 yards on 169 carries, scoring seven touchdowns while also contributing in the passing game with 13 receptions for 83 yards.
Pacheco’s workhorse mentality was on full display, as he carried the ball frequently and shouldered much of the offensive load for a team that had difficulty finding consistent production elsewhere. His ability to run between the tackles, break tackles, and grind out tough yards in Big Ten play made him a reliable weapon.
Notably, he had a standout performance against Boston College, rushing for 156 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing his ability to take over games.
As a junior in 2020, Pacheco continued to be a critical part of Rutgers’ offense, though the season was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He rushed for 515 yards and three touchdowns in nine games, again leading the team in rushing. His ability to handle heavy workloads and his consistent performance in the face of adversity were key to Rutgers’ competitiveness in a challenging Big Ten conference.
Pacheco also developed as a pass-catcher out of the backfield, adding versatility to his game.
Pacheco’s senior season in 2021 was another productive year, where he again led the team in rushing, amassing 647 yards on 167 carries with five touchdowns. Despite the team’s overall offensive struggles, Pacheco remained a reliable force in the backfield, consistently giving his best effort in every game.
His leadership, toughness, and ability to fight for extra yards made him a fan favorite and a respected figure within the program. Pacheco’s tenacity, both on and off the field, helped him earn the role of a team captain in his final season, further highlighting his importance to Rutgers.
By the end of his Rutgers career, Pacheco had accumulated 2,442 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns, placing him among the top rushers in the school’s history. His durability and work ethic were hallmarks of his collegiate career, as he consistently played through tough conditions and maintained a high level of performance in one of the toughest conferences in college football.
Pacheco’s ability to grind out tough yards and contribute as a pass-catcher gave him a well-rounded skill set that made him a reliable offensive option for Rutgers throughout his four years.
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After his college career, Pacheco declared for the 2022 NFL Draft and was selected in the seventh round by the Kansas City Chiefs. His time at Rutgers showcased his resilience, determination, and leadership, traits that have since helped him succeed in the NFL as a dynamic backfield presence for the Chiefs.
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