Just like that, another Nebraska regular season is in the books, and it may go down as one of the most overhyped seasons in years. Many hoped that the third year under head coach Matt Rhule would result in the Cornhuskers taking that big step forward and really becoming contenders in the Big Ten, or at least contending for a College Football Playoff spot.
Instead, the Cornhuskers are finishing 7-5 in the regular season and will now await a bowl game appearance that will most likely come in a few weeks. Nebraska fell to Iowa for the third year in a row, this time not by the score of 13-10, but by a larger margin of 40-16.
This certainly was not the showing the Cornhuskers were hoping for, especially on Senior Day, as many players would be playing in Memorial Stadium for the final time, possibly including running back Emmett Johnson.
Nebraska RB Emmett Johnson visibly upset leaving Memorial Stadium for potentially the final time
An emotional Emmett Johnson exits the field for what could be his last time at Memorial Stadium.
— Hail Varsity (@HailVarsity) November 28, 2025
The Husker running back rushed for 217 yards against the Hawkeyes. pic.twitter.com/24Yphne7hU
Nebraska junior running back Emmett Johnson may not play another game in a Cornhuskers jersey after the bowl game, as he very possibly could choose to head for the NFL instead. Johnson has been a focal point of Nebraska's offense this season, especially when quarterback Dylan Raiola went down with a leg injury for the rest of the season.
Against Iowa, Johnson ran for a season-high 217 yards and had one touchdown on the day in what will probably be his final game in Memorial Stadium. When leaving the field, Johnson was caught on video emotional with two of his family members after the game. Both members of his family were wiping away tears from Johnson's face.
If this was Johnson's final game in Memorial Stadium, while he had a great day rushing-wise, the Cornhuskers did not back him up and sent him out in the worst way possible.
Johnson finished the season with five straight games running over 100 yards and scored at least one touchdown in four of those five games. If the star running back does choose to take his talents to the NFL, this will be a huge position that head coach Matt Rhule will have to figure out how to fill next season.