Emmett Johnson declaring for the NFL was not a shock to Nebraska football fans. That doesn't mean it wasn't a blow. Mainly because there were at least some indicators that he might decide to stay and polish his game for the next level.
The problem for the Huskers isn't just that there isn't someone who can step into Johnson's shoes. EJ had the kind of season few NU running backs have had, especially in the last two decades, culminating in winning the Big Ten running back of the year.
The problem is that there isn't an obvious starting running back at all for Nebraska. Johnson had 251 carries in 2025. The next most carries by an NU running back was 19 by Isaiah Mozee, who was moved to RB from the wide receiver slot in fall camp.
Emmett Johnson's departure raises questions for Nebraska
Neither Mozee, nor Kwinten Ives, nor Makhi Nelson is a shoo-in to be anything other than depth. Even if they are solid in depth. One of those guys could absolutely step up in the spring and show the Huskers something. But it's not as though it's a no-brainer.
It stands to reason that Nebraska will dip into the transfer portal. However, there are plenty of other positions the Huskers need to upgrade through the portal after bringing in just 10 players in the 2026 recruiting class.
Speaking of that class, Jamal Rule was the only running back in the group. Rule is plenty talented. But it would be foolish to think he could immediately become the starting running back in 2026. And that raises the biggest question of all.
The running back room was thin before Emmett Johnson declared for the NFL. It was thin enough heading into the season that Mozee had to make the aforementioned position change. How and why did the coaching staff let things get so bad for a group that has an accomplished and, by all accounts, talented running back coach?
Was this just a matter of limited resources? Is there a specific reason Nebraska has had problems recruiting running backs, either from high school or the portal? Husker fans better hope it's a resources issue and that they can be fixed this winter.