Nebraska football gets colossal news as star RB elects to stay out of portal

After a week of mostly bad news for the Nebraska football team when it came to the NCAA Transfer Portal, the Huskers got some very good news just ahead of it opening. One player who announced they intended to transfer has decided to stay instead.

Reports began circulating on Sunday evening that star running back Emmett Johnson had a change of heart. He’ll be sticking around and returning to Lincoln for his third season. It’s safe to say that the Huskers coaches played a big part in talking him to staying.

Perhaps one big key was the Nebraska football team locking down offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen. It’s clear that Johnson and Holgorsen worked well together. After the former West Virginia and Houston head coach replaced Marcus Satterfield (and talked about the runningbacks needing to make people miss) Johnson shifted into another gear.

Nebraska football team gets key cog to success in 2025 back

The 5-foot-11, 200-pound Johnson has played in every game this season with four starts — including each of the last three games. He ranks second on the team with 102 carries, amassing 523 rushing yards and 809 all-purpose yards.

Johnson had career highs in catches and yard with 35 catches for 262 yards and his receptions are the most by a Husker running back since the 2007 season.

Interestingly, there were reports last offseason that Johnson was considering entering the portal but Matt Rhule and company talked him into staying. It looks like the Nebraska football staff was able to talk him out of leaving once again.