Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson Emerging as Unexpected Heisman Contender

Nebraska football’s 2025 campaign has been one of its most promising in over a decade. Sitting at 7–3, the Cornhuskers have found new life under head coach Matt Rhule despite losing quarterback Dylan Raiola for the season. Their latest win — a commanding showing against UCLA — further underscored the team’s progress and the emergence of one player who has defined their identity: running back Emmett Johnson.

Johnson’s performance in Los Angeles was historic. The junior tailback became the first Nebraska player ever to record 100 rushing yards and 100 receiving yards in the same game. His versatility and consistency have turned him into the centerpiece of the Cornhuskers’ offense, providing both explosive plays and reliability in key moments.

During his weekly press conference, Rhule didn’t hold back his praise. He opened his remarks by saying Johnson should not only be in the conversation for major postseason awards but physically present in New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony. “I personally believe Emmett Johnson should be in New York; I think he should be a Heisman candidate,” Rhule said. “He should be a Doak Walker finalist, if not winner. He’s a first-team All-American.”

For a program that has been chasing its former glory for years, Johnson’s breakout represents more than just statistical success — it’s a symbol of Nebraska’s steady return to national relevance under Rhule’s leadership.

1. A Rare Honor for a Nebraska Running Back

Johnson’s emergence puts him in rare company among Nebraska greats. The Cornhuskers have produced Heisman finalists before — most recently defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh in 2009 — but the program hasn’t had a serious offensive contender in decades. The last Nebraska running back to finish in the top five in Heisman voting was Bobby Reynolds in 1950, and Mike Rozier remains the school’s only winner, taking the trophy home in 1983. When it comes to national awards, the Doak Walker Trophy, given annually to the nation’s best running back, has also eluded Nebraska. Despite producing notable finalists such as Calvin Jones, Ahman Green, and Ameer Abdullah, the Cornhuskers have never claimed the honor. Johnson’s all-purpose production, however, could change that. Rhule’s comments carry weight not just as a show of confidence in his player, but as a reflection of how rare Johnson’s season has been. He currently leads the nation in total yards from scrimmage, ranks second in rushing yards, and sits fifth in yards per game. He’s also responsible for 37% of Nebraska’s total offensive output — a staggering share that underscores just how critical he is to the team’s success. For Nebraska fans, Johnson’s rise represents a long-awaited return to the kind of offensive dominance that once defined the program’s championship years.

2. Statistical Excellence Meets National Recognition

Beyond the emotional appeal, Johnson’s case is backed by elite production. He is one of only three players in the FBS this season with at least 10 rushing touchdowns and three receiving scores, and his consistency week to week has been unmatched. Against Power Five opponents, he’s averaged more than 150 yards from scrimmage, routinely carrying the offensive load as defenses focus squarely on stopping him. Johnson’s dual-threat ability has also transformed Nebraska’s offensive strategy. With Raiola out, the Cornhuskers have leaned heavily on a balanced attack built around Johnson’s versatility — lining him up in the slot, motioning him out wide, and using him as both a primary rusher and a passing weapon. His adaptability has not only sustained Nebraska’s winning ways but also put him squarely in the national spotlight. Still, national award recognition often depends as much on team success as on individual numbers. For Johnson to reach the Heisman stage, Nebraska will likely need to continue its winning streak through the final stretch of the season. That said, in a year where no clear Heisman frontrunner has emerged, his late-season surge could make him one of the most compelling dark-horse candidates in the field. Should Nebraska finish strong, the conversation around Johnson may shift from “deserving a mention” to “deserving a seat in New York.”

3. The Symbol of a Program Reawakening

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Johnson’s story mirrors Nebraska’s broader resurgence — a proud program rediscovering its edge after years of rebuilding. His success, combined with Rhule’s leadership, has reignited optimism in Lincoln. Fans have begun to rally behind the team with a sense of belief that has been absent for much of the past decade. For Rhule, championing Johnson’s candidacy is about more than campaigning for awards; it’s about spotlighting a player who embodies the culture he’s worked to rebuild — toughness, discipline, and consistency. Johnson’s production has made him a national name, but within the program, he’s seen as the heartbeat of a team that refuses to fold despite adversity. Whether or not Johnson ultimately earns a Heisman invitation, his 2025 season has already etched him into modern Nebraska lore. His numbers speak for themselves, but his leadership and resilience may be the bigger story — the proof that Nebraska football is once again a program to watch. Emmett Johnson’s rise from solid starter to legitimate Heisman candidate has turned Nebraska’s 2025 season into a statement year for both player and program.