Isaac Guerendo Bio
Isaac Guerendo (born June 28, 2000) is an American professional football running back and kickoff returner for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet tall and weighing around 220 pounds, he is known for his combination of size, speed, and pass-catching ability out of the backfield. He played college football for both the Wisconsin Badgers and the Louisville Cardinals before being drafted by the 49ers in 2024.
Born and raised in Indiana, Guerendo built a reputation as a hard-working athlete with a quiet intensity on the field. After developing through multiple college programs, he earned an NFL opportunity and quickly contributed as a rookie following injuries in San Francisco’s backfield. He continues to develop within the 49ers organization.
Early Life and Background
Isaac Guerendo was born on June 28, 2000, in Clayton, Indiana. He grew up in a supportive household with his parents, Mario and Jennifer Guerendo. Mario Guerendo is an emigrant from the Central African Republic, while Jennifer competed in track and field during her high school years, an athletic background that helped shape Isaac’s early interest in sports.
Guerendo attended Avon High School in Avon, Indiana, where he emerged as a multi-purpose offensive weapon. As a junior, he recorded 19 receptions for 596 yards and six touchdowns, showcasing his receiving skills. His senior season proved to be a breakout campaign, as he hauled in 54 receptions for 1,258 yards and 16 touchdowns. For his performance that year, he was named the Indianapolis Star’s Mister Football for wide receivers.
Coming out of high school, Guerendo decided to commit to play college football for the Wisconsin Badgers, beginning the next chapter of his athletic journey.
Path to American Football
Guerendo’s path to professional football began at the University of Wisconsin, where he joined the Badgers as a versatile offensive player. Over several seasons, he developed his skills as both a runner and a receiver, gradually earning a larger role within the offense. His growth in Madison was steady, and he gained valuable experience working within a Big Ten program.
Following the 2022 college season, Guerendo decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal, seeking a fresh opportunity to showcase his abilities. He graduated from Wisconsin in December 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in personal finance, demonstrating his commitment to academics alongside athletics. His decision to transfer marked a pivotal moment in his development.
In 2023, Guerendo became a graduate transfer to the University of Louisville, playing for the Louisville Cardinals in his final season of college eligibility. This move allowed him to take on a featured role and fully display the tools that would eventually catch the attention of NFL scouts.
Isaac Guerendo Career
Early Career (2019–2022, Wisconsin)
Guerendo’s early career at Wisconsin was marked by gradual progression. In his first season in 2019, he carried the ball once for one yard, while also making one catch for three yards and returning one kickoff for 49 yards. During the COVID-shortened 2020 season, he carried the ball 11 times for 36 yards as he continued to learn the system.
In 2021, Guerendo recorded his first career touchdown on an 82-yard run versus Eastern Michigan in Week 2. He finished that season with 160 rushing yards and a touchdown on 23 carries, while also adding two receptions for six yards. In 2022, he rushed for 385 yards and five touchdowns on 64 carries, and added 17 receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown. He finished his Wisconsin career with 99 carries for 582 yards and six touchdowns, along with 20 receptions for 124 yards and a touchdown across 20 games.
Louisville Breakthrough (2023)
Guerendo’s lone season at Louisville proved to be his breakout year. In his Louisville home debut in Week 2 of the 2023 season, he rushed for 63 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries, while also hauling in four receptions for 47 yards. He quickly established himself as a central figure in the Cardinals’ offensive attack.
In Week 10, he delivered a career performance with 146 rushing yards and three touchdowns in a win over Virginia Tech. He capped the season with a standout showing in the 2023 Holiday Bowl, rushing for a career high 161 yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries, although the Cardinals ultimately fell to USC 42–28. Guerendo finished the 2023 season with 810 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 132 carries, along with 22 receptions for 234 yards. Following the season, he declared for the 2024 NFL Draft.
San Francisco 49ers Era (2024–Present)
Guerendo was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round (129th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft. Shortly after the draft, in May 2024, he signed a four-year contract with the team, beginning his professional career in the Bay Area.
As a rookie, Guerendo saw increased playing time after injuries to running backs Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason. He made his NFL debut in the Week 2 23–17 road loss to the Minnesota Vikings. He scored his first NFL touchdown on a four-yard rush during the Week 8 30–24 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, while also totaling 102 scrimmage yards in that game. His performances provided a glimpse of his potential within San Francisco’s offensive scheme.
Driving Style and Strengths
Guerendo is recognized for his rare blend of size and explosiveness, allowing him to thrive as both a runner and a pass catcher. His background as a high school wide receiver gives him reliable hands out of the backfield, while his physical frame helps him break tackles and finish runs. These qualities make him a versatile asset in modern offensive schemes.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Guerendo’s signature moments are his 82-yard touchdown run at Wisconsin and his record-setting 161-yard Holiday Bowl performance with Louisville. His first NFL touchdown against Dallas marked a milestone in his transition to the professional level.
Isaac Guerendo Career Wins
While Guerendo’s professional win totals continue to build, his career highlights already include notable team victories at both the collegiate and NFL levels. His contributions have helped deliver key wins for the Wisconsin Badgers, the Louisville Cardinals, and the San Francisco 49ers.
College Highlights
During his time at Louisville, Guerendo played a leading role in the Cardinals’ victory over Virginia Tech in 2023, where he rushed for 146 yards and three touchdowns. His efforts at Wisconsin also contributed to several Big Ten matchups, helping establish him as a reliable contributor.
NFL Highlights
In his rookie NFL season, Guerendo played a key role in the 49ers’ Week 8 30–24 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, where he scored his first career NFL touchdown. He continues to contribute to San Francisco’s pursuit of postseason success.
Isaac Guerendo Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Isaac Guerendo was raised by his parents, Mario and Jennifer Guerendo. His father, Mario, emigrated from the Central African Republic, while his mother, Jennifer, was a track and field athlete in high school. Their diverse backgrounds and athletic heritage helped foster Isaac’s passion for sports from a young age.
Personal Life
Since 2025, Guerendo has been in a relationship with YouTuber and fitness model Claire Stone. The couple has been seen together publicly, and Stone has been a visible supporter of his NFL career. Guerendo continues to balance his professional commitments with his personal life as he develops within the league.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 NFL season, Isaac Guerendo is positioned to take on a larger role within the San Francisco 49ers offense. With the team continuing to evaluate its backfield depth, Guerendo’s blend of physicality and receiving ability makes him a strong candidate for expanded responsibilities. His development through the offseason will be a key storyline to watch for 49ers fans.
Guerendo’s performances during his rookie year, particularly his standout showing against Dallas, demonstrated his potential to contribute at a high level. As he enters his second professional season, the 49ers will look to maximize his skill set within their offensive game plan. His progress will be closely monitored as San Francisco aims to compete in a competitive NFC landscape.
With continued growth and consistent production, Guerendo has the opportunity to cement himself as a long-term contributor for the 49ers organization.