Isaiah Richardson joined the Vanderbilt staff in 2024 as a quality control intern for the defense. He primarily assists with the stars, a hybrid linebacker/safety position.

Richardson came to Nashville following his collegiate career at Rice and Samford. The Richmond, Texas, native played for the Owls from 2017-21 before capping his career at Samford in 2022. He made 20 tackles in 33 games at Rice, including 10 during the 2019 campaign. He was named to the 2018 Conference USA Academic Honor Roll.

In his graduate year at Samford, he played in all 13 games and finished third on the team with 65 tackles, earning All-Southern Conference honors. He added two interceptions, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery while helping the Bulldogs go 11-2. They reached the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs, defeating Southeastern Louisiana before falling to North Dakota State.

Richardson earned his degree from Rice in 2021, majoring in kinesiology.