Janiran Bonner spent 2025 trying to stay motivated on the sidelines, and with the help of his support system, he’s back with the Nebraska football team in 2026.
The senior wide receiver tore his ACL in the first game last year, sidelining him for the remainder of the season.
“It was pretty hard for me,” Bonner said. “That was probably the first time I ever had football actually taken away from me, and actually having to sit out and actually watch. So it was pretty hard, but me just having faith in God, and my family, and my teammates and all that just kept me grounded and just got me through that process.”
The process was a long one, according to Bonner. He underwent surgery shortly after the injury, then began the rehab process. This consisted of working with trainers and the Huskers staff to strengthen his knee and leg in preparation for the upcoming season.
“I feel pretty good now,” Bonner said. “I don’t know exactly how long it took, but it took a pretty while for me to actually feel comfortable and be able to run pretty smoothly.”
The senior began practice recently and has already made an impact. Offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen and head coach Matt Rhule said they’re happy to have him back.
“He’s just one of those guys that people rally around and believe in, so to see him back out there is great,” Rhule said. “We try to do a good job with his reps. He doesn’t know another speed but full speed, and we’ll try to get him to the season.”
Janiran Bonner (16) scores a touchdown against Rutgers defensive back Shaquan Loyal (6) on Oct. 5, 2024. Photo by John S. Peterson.
The Athlanta, Ga., native arrived in Lincoln as a four-star wide receiver recruit but started his career at fullback after redshirting his first season. In 2023, he played in every game and logged four carries for nine yards and his first touchdown.
Bonner moved back to wide receiver in a hybrid role in 2024, starting three games and playing in all 12. He caught 11 passes for 67 yards and one touchdown and ran the ball twice for 11 yards and another score.
Wide receivers coach Daikiel Shorts Jr. said Bonner’s versatility opens up the playbook for Nebraska’s offense.
“Having him out there, it’s like a security blanket as a coach,” Shorts said. “He’s a guy that’s always going to give relentless effort, he’s going to do the right thing, and you know he’s going to strain to make the play, whether that’s in the run game or in the pass game.”
Bonner said Shorts’ comments mean a lot to him.
“With him saying I’m security, I guess they trust me out there,” Bonner said. “They have lots of faith in me, so it means a lot to me. Every time I go out there on that field, I’m going to give it my all and do whatever to be successful for those guys, because they have lots of trust and lots of belief in me.”
The Husker coaches are also relying on Bonner to take on a leadership role this year. The senior is one of the oldest players in the wide receivers room, and on the team. Therefore, he’s stepping up this season.
“They’re working pretty hard, they’re learning the offense, and I love it,” Bonner said of the younger wide receivers. “I’m just going to continue to push them as a leader, as an older guy, and they’re going to come along.”
Bonner said he’s enjoyed mentoring the younger players.
“I’m not really much of a verbal guy,” Bonner said. “That’s something I’m working on, but I try to do the right things and they see. They can see how it looks from an example, but it’s been great so far.”
For now, Bonner will continue practicing while making the most of every moment on the field.
“I handle adversity pretty well, so it hasn’t been as rough as it was for me at first,” Bonner said of the mental challenges returning. “It’s been great. I’m just coming out just giving it all to God, just doing the process, and just taking it day by day.”
