Photo and story credit: Jeremy Enlow, Abilene Christian University

Craig Middle School Assistant Principal De’Andre Brown has returned to the football field at Abilene Christian University this fall, this time as a color commentator for ACU’s home football broadcasts on ESPN+. 

Mr. Brown, a former standout running back for the Wildcats, has joined play-by-play announcers Grant Boone and Andy Penney for the 2026 season, providing analysis informed by his experience as both a former player and coach.

Before joining Abilene ISD as an assistant principal at Craig Middle School, Mr. Brown built an impressive career on the field at ACU. According to ACU Athletics, he recorded more than 3,000 all-purpose yards and 19 touchdowns during his Wildcat career from 2013-17. He earned Second Team All-Southland Conference honors as a redshirt freshman in 2014 and was named Honorable Mention All-Southland Conference in 2015.

One of Mr. Brown’s most memorable performances came against Stephen F. Austin in 2014, when he rushed for 256 yards to cement one of the top single-game rushing performances in ACU history. He also served as a team captain during his final season.

Mr. Brown earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees before beginning his career in education as a teacher and coach. He later moved into school administration, eventually joining the Abilene ISD leadership team at Craig Middle School.

Congratulations to Mr. Brown on this opportunity to bring his experience and perspective to the broadcast booth!

Read ACU Athletics’ original story to learn more about Brown’s playing career and his new role with ACU football.