Emmett Johnson is going into the 2025 Nebraska football season with one goal in mind, and that’s to do his part to help the Huskers win as many games as possible.
The junior running back said as much during the Huskers’ media availability after day one of fall camp on Monday.
“I’m hungry, man,” Johnson said. “I just really want to help this team win.”
Going into the first week of camp and his third year at the helm, Coach Matt Rhule wants to set the team’s expectations and rules for the players.
“It’s a six-day ramp up acclamation period, with a seventh day of rest,” Rhule said. “So we want to, obviously, establish sort of our standard of effort. We don’t have a lot of time to coach effort. One of the reasons why you don’t have to coach is when you have a lot of depth, lot of competition. If you don’t want to play hard, then so be it. We want to reward the guys who know what they’re doing.”
Rhule offered an extensive injury list heading into camp. Redshirt freshman defensive lineman Preston Taumua is dealing with an illness. Sophomore defensive lineman Gabe Moore, redshirt freshman running back Trent Uhlir and senior offensive lineman Turner Corcoran are limited. Redshirt freshman linebacker Rodger Gradney, sophomore wide receiver Demitrius Bell, freshman running back Jamarion Parker, sophomore defensive lineman Connor Connealy and redshirt freshman offensive lineman Nolan Fennessy are all out. Freshmen Juju Marks, Tyson Terry and Malcolm Simpson are all recovering from surgeries they needed after their senior seasons.
Despite the inactive list, depth is one issue the Huskers won’t have to worry about this season, especially in the running back room. Rhule made it clear that Emmett Johnson will be the starter, but Kwinten Ives, Mekhi Nelson, Conor Booth, converted wide receiver Isaiah Mozee and many others will have the opportunity to earn their spot.
“It’s going to take three four guys to get through the season,” Rhule said. “So there’s a lot of work to be done at that position.”
Rhule wants a player-led team, and it appears the Huskers have taken steps in that direction. In previous years, the coaches stayed in the dorms with the players during fall camp, but this year, the team is on their own. Junior tight end Luke Lindenmeyer believes that by doing this, it shows their leadership and growth.
“That was our decision, as players, as leaders,” Lindenmeyer said. “We just wanted players in the dorms, and it’s really just been a player-led team all summer. I can feel it. Coach Rhule has taken a step back, and he’s given us the standard, he’s given us everything he’s wanted out of us, and now it’s up to us to let the young guys going up hold that standard.”
Coach Rhule said that he is very proud of the players for taking charge.
“They have a group chat, and Corey (Campbell) is in the group chat, and then I put myself in the group chat over vacation,” Rhule said. “They were like, ‘Hey coach, get out of the group chat, go on vacation, go be with your family, we got this,’ and I was like, ‘Well, I do need to send you guys some stuff every once in a while.’” Because I read a lot, I’ll send them something to think about. But to their point, I want that. This was the best summer I’ve had; no drama, no issues, no problems … They handled their business.”
Another area Rhule believes the team has improved in is their strength. Last season, Nebraska ended up in multiple close games near the end and came out on the losing side of things. But according to Rhule, the offense and defense have both gotten stronger.
“They’re much stronger,” Rhule said. “We’re much more explosive. We’re a significantly improved team in terms of our physical nature.”
The program has made a lot of updates during the offseason, including replacing their practice field, which the team has enjoyed.
“It’s like being on Augusta or being at one of these great golf courses,” Rhule said.
Throughout Rhule’s time coaching the Huskers, he has always believed in his players, and that is no different this year. He has high expectations for them and trusts that they will do well. He said that it’s all about believing in themselves and not listening to the outside noise.
“I always have confidence in our players, and the last thing our players need is for me to say they’re not going to be good,” Rhule said. “They hear that enough. So I think they’re going to be really good …
“I think the only thing that’s going to limit them is their own brains,” Rhule said.
