The Nebraska football team is just a few weeks away from opening fall camp, and while there are plenty of questions surrounding the team, one of the biggest has to be: “Is Mekhi Nelson in the Huskers’ plans for the 2026 season and beyond?”
Nelson was arrested in Florida on battery charges against his girlfriend a few weeks ago, and since that time the program has been noticeably silent on the matter. On the day reports broke of the running back’s arrest, the university acknowledged it had seen the news but declined to issue a statement beyond that.
Last week, Prosecutors in Florida declined to file charges against the Nebraska running back, seemingly opening the door for his return to the program. Right about the same time, the Huskers added another body to the room in former Penn State back Tikey Hayes. Some predicted that Hayes, who came over from Iowa Western Community College, might have been an emergency replacement for Nelson. However, there is now at least a chance the ex-Nittany Lion could just add depth to a running back room that has plenty of talent but very little experience.
It appears that since the arrest, Nelson has been on an unofficial suspension as he hasn’t participated in any team activities. While he doesn’t need to be officially reinstated since he didn’t get booted or publicly suspended, it’s clear that he hasn’t been welcomed back to the team. With the charges being dropped, will that change soon?
Nebraska football must clarify Mekhi Nelson’s role after prosecutors decline charges
If Nelson is dismissed from the team, or chooses to leave, depth will certainly be an issue. While freshman Jamal Rule and sophomore Isaiah Mozee both have plenty of talent, Mozee is a former wide receiver who has been moved to halfback. Rule is a true freshman who has never played a down in a college game.
Mozee did show flashes last fall. He had 26 carries for 115 yards with a long of 21 yards. He also had 14 receptions for 155 yards. With Emmett Johnson the obvious workhorse of the staff, there simply weren’t many other carries to go around.
Nelson is the leading returning rusher among backs and looked like he was the early favorite to be the starter in 2026. He finished the year with 27 carries for 147 yards and two touchdowns while hauling in 8 receptions for 102 yards. His best game of the year was easily the bowl game against Utah, where he carried 12 times for 88 yards (7.3 YPC average) and a touchdown while catching 3 passes for another 48 yards.
The answer as to what happens to Mekhi Nelson will likely come in the next week to 10 days. Should the university not issue something ahead of time, Matt Rhule and the program will appear at Big Ten Media Days starting on July 28. It’s unlikely they’ll get through those three days without some direct questions about the situation.
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