Emmett Johnson is turning heads in 2025 with Nebraska football.
The junior running back is second in the nation in average yards from scrimmage at 143.1 and fourth in rushing yards per game at 113.1. He’s averaging 5.6 yards per carry and has found the end zone 14 times (11 rushing, three receiving). Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule gave his endorsement for Johnson’s Heisman campaign in his press conference on Nov. 10.
“I personally believe Emmett Johnson should be a Heisman candidate,” Rhule said. “I think he should be a Doak Walker finalist, if not winner, and I think what he’s doing is fantastic. I hope people appreciate seeing him. He’s a first-team All-American.”
Nebraska’s idle week gave Johnson a chance to rest his legs and recharge for the final stretch of the season after his career performance against UCLA. The workhorse back ran the ball 29 times for 129 yards, and a touchdown while adding three receptions for 103 yards and two more scores, becoming the first running back in school history to have more than 100 rushing and receiving yards in the same game.
This showing led to Johnson winning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors while being named one of 13 semifinalists for the Maxwell Award, which is given to the best offensive player of the year. Former Nebraska running back Mike Rozier is the only Husker to win the award.
“I’ve always been confident, but this just comes with preparation and just working hard,” Johnson said. “I feel like once God has a plan for you, you just got to keep believing in him, and everything that he wants you to do will happen. So, I wasn’t really just focused on the individual things, but just getting better every day, and that’s what’s led to my success.”
Although Johnson’s in the spotlight, he’s always sure to give others the credit.
“They’ve been doing a great job of just pushing me out there, but it’s not just me,” Johnson said. “There are lot of people that play a part in that, my teammates that have helped me get to that point. So, it’s been amazing; it’s been pretty fun.”
Last season, Johnson played in all 13 games, starting five of them. He had a good season, finishing second on the team with 117 carries for 598 rushing yards while leading the Huskers in all-purpose yards with 908. The back contributed 39 grabs for 286 yards and two scores, which is the most receptions by a Nebraska running back since 2007.
Now, he’s toting the rock more while getting the recognition he deserves.
“I just want to stay focused, stay humble,” Johnson said. “Just stay focused on what I got to do, and that’s help this team win. Not make it all about me.”
Johnson’s success is grabbing the attention of his coaches and teammate as well, including offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen, who is working closely with Johnson.
“The dude just keeps getting stronger, and whatever we need to do to get the ball to him, one, we’re going to do that, but two, he can handle that,” Holgorsen said. “So, it’s pretty cool to see a young man that’s worked so hard that is getting the credit that he deserves. Just look at the numbers. The numbers are as good as anybody in the country, and what I see is a motivated guy that practices hard, has a great attitude, had a great practice out there today, and is looking forward for another opportunity to go play the game he loves. So I’m just really proud of him and where he’s at and what he’s doing.”
Senior corner Ceyair Wright is on the opposite side of the ball but is getting a front-row seat to Johnson’s dominance.
“I think his success is really just a product of who he is as a person, how he treats people, and the work that he puts in,” Wright said. “He works super hard, but at the same time, he’s a great teammate. I think that because of that, he’s been blessed to continue to play well and show his talents. Emmett’s just a great dude. I’m excited.”
Johnson is glad his success has put a spotlight on the program and hopes it’ll help prospective recruits recognize what Lincoln has to offer.
“Nebraska’s a special place, and I want to be able to have recruits or people look at this place and know it’s a special place, and it’s a special family,” Johnson said. “So, I’m blessed to be the one doing that and helping, but like I said, it’s a special place, a lot of great people here. So, it’s bigger than just football, a lot of great humans here. So that’s what I want to help push to other people.”
Johnson is looking to finish the season strong with the Huskers traveling to Happy Valley to take on Penn State on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT on NBC.
“I’m taking it like any other game, approaching it like any other game,” Johnson said. “I’m focusing just on Penn State this week, taking it day by day, not looking too far ahead, and just getting better each and every day.”
For now, Johnson will continue to carry the load with his teammates looking on. This includes junior tight end Luke Lindenmeyer, who has been with Johnson since the beginning of their Husker careers in 2022.
“Just being able to be a part of his growth and seeing it all come to fruition, and then him giving all the glory to God just allowing him to be in that position, it’s been amazing,” Lindenmeyer said. “All the accolades, he deserves it all, and I hope we’re invited to New York with him when he’s a Heisman finalist.”
