Matt Rhule Stumps for Emmett Johnson's National Profile, Postseason Recognition

Nebraska's lead back is having a year that hasn't been seen in Lincoln for over a decade. Matt Rhule says Emmett Johnson deserves to be an All-American and in the conversation for an invitation to New York.

Nebraska coach Matt Rhule and running back Emmett Johnson embrace before a game against Houston Christian. | Kenny Larabee, KLIN

LINCOLN—Matt Rhule wants the national attention to put more focus on Nebraska's lead back.

Rhule spent several minutes talking about Emmett Johnson on Monday. The junior became the first Husker running back to notch 100 yards rushing and 100 yards receiving in a game on Saturday at UCLA.

"I personally believe Emmett Johnson should be in New York; I think he should be a Heisman candidate," Rhule said. "I think he should be a Doak Walker finalist, if not winner. He's a first-team All-American."

Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Emmett Johnson celebrates his touchdown scored against the UCLA Bruins during the first half at the Rose Bowl. | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Those are big-time awards to be in the conversation for. Nebraska has not had a Heisman candidate since defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh in 2009, with the last running back to finish in the top five (but not win) being Bobby Reynolds in 1950. Mike Rozier won the award in 1983.

As Dave Feit pointed out this morning, Nebraska has never won the Doak Walker Award, given to the "nation's premier running back." Three Huskers have been finalists: Calvin Jones, Ahman Green, and Ameer Abdullah.

As for a first-team All-American, the last Husker to earn that honor was linebacker LaVonte David in 2011. The last running back to do so was Rozier in 1982 and 1983.

While praising his workhorse of a running back, Rhule noted that Johnson leads the nation in yards from scrimmage, ranks second in the FBS for total rushing yards and is fifth in yards per game, leads the nation with 37% of his team's total yards, and is one of only three players in the FBS with 10 rushing touchdowns and three receiving touchdowns. Historically, he's the first player in the Big Ten Conference since at least 1995 to have 125 rushing yards, 100 receiving yards, one rushing touchdown, and two receiving touchdowns all in one game.

"He'll win a bunch of awards this week," Rhule said. "Really, really proud of Emmett, his character."

Emmett Johnson runs the ball against Northwestern. | Kenny Larabee, KLIN

With 239 touches through 10 games, the health of a running back is at the forefront. Rhule says Johnson's superpower is how he manages to stay available.

"He's not taking huge hits," Rhule said. "He makes people miss. He doesn't take a lot of direct shots. There's never been a time where he's been limited in practice."

Rhule says Johnson will have a decision to make at the end of this year.

"Does he want to go play in the NFL? If Emmett decided to come back, he obviously would be a preseason All-American, Heisman Trophy...he's be on all the watch lists. But I'm not so sure he shouldn't go play in the NFL," Rhule said.

You can watch the full media session from Monday below. Continue scrolling for more coverage.

Coverage

• Nebraska On SI | Could Emmett Johnson Really be a Heisman Finalist, All-American, Doak Walker Winner?
• Husker247 | Rhule says Emmett Johnson should be a candidate for the Heisman and Doak Walker
• Nebraska Athletics | Rhule quotes
• Nebraska Athletics | Nebraska-Penn State time and TV put on six-day hold
• Lincoln Journal Star* | Matt Rhule says Emmett Johnson ‘should be in New York’ as Heisman candidate
• HuskerOnline* | Rhule Report: Nebraska balances work vs. rest over bye, building on Lateef's success
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Nebraska Football 2025 Schedule

• Aug. 28 Nebraska 20, Cincinnati 17
• Sep. 6 Nebraska 68, Akron 0
• Sep. 13 Nebraska 59, Houston Christian 7
• Sep. 20 Michigan 30, Nebraska 27
• Oct. 4 Nebraska 38, Michigan State 27
• Oct. 11 Nebraska 34, Maryland 31
• Oct. 17 Minnesota 24, Nebraska 6
• Oct. 25 vs. Northwestern 11 a.m. FS1
• Nov. 1 USC 21, Nebraska 17
• Nov. 8 Nebraska 28, UCLA 21
• Nov. 22 at Penn State TBA
• Nov. 28 (Black Friday) vs. Iowa 11 a.m. CBS

Home games are bolded. All times central.

Have a question or comment for Kaleb? Send an email to kalebhenry.huskermax@gmail.com.

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