Emmett Johnson #21 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers
In a move that marks another shift in Nebraska’s football roster, running back Emmett Johnson announced on Thursday that he has entered the transfer portal. The sophomore from Minnesota made the announcement official via Instagram, leaving Husker fans wondering about the next steps for both him and the Nebraska backfield.
Johnson, a member of the 2022 recruiting class, has had a solid two-year stint in Lincoln, recording 1,242 scrimmage yards over the past two seasons. In 2024, he played a significant role in the team’s running attack, finishing the season with 523 rushing yards and 262 receiving yards. His versatility as both a runner and a receiver made him a valuable asset for head coach Matt Rhule’s offense. With two years of eligibility remaining, Johnson will have the chance to continue his career at another program, potentially as a key contributor.
Over his three seasons at Nebraska, Johnson tallied 192 carries for 934 yards and three touchdowns. His steady growth on the field and his ability to be used in multiple facets of the offense have earned him a solid reputation. However, with the changes happening within Nebraska’s program and the ongoing roster adjustments, Johnson has decided to explore other opportunities.
His departure from the Cornhuskers comes shortly after fellow running back Gabe Ervin Jr. entered the transfer portal earlier this week, signaling a potential reshuffling of the running back room. With these changes, there will be increased competition for playing time among the remaining backs, including Anthony Grant, who will be expected to step up and take on a more prominent role in the offense.
The recent departures raise questions about the future of Nebraska’s backfield. As roster sizes across the nation continue to adjust to the 105-man limit, it remains to be seen if any other players will follow Johnson and Ervin into the portal. With the transfer window now in full swing, Nebraska fans will be keeping a close eye on any more movement, both within the program and in terms of potential additions.
For Johnson, the next step will be finding a new home that can help him continue to develop as a player and contribute to a new offense. The decision to transfer gives him an opportunity to explore different options, where he will hope to make a strong impact in his final two years of eligibility.
For Nebraska, the loss of two running backs in a matter of days underscores the ongoing changes under head coach Matt Rhule’s regime, as the program continues to evolve and build toward future success. As the offseason progresses, expect more developments to unfold, with the running back room now being a focal point of attention in the transfer portal.
