Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson declares for NFL Draft
After one of the most impressive seasons by a Nebraska running back in a decade, Emmett Johnson is officially turning the page on his football career.
The Big Ten Running Back of the Year and consensus first-team all-conference selection announced Friday that he will forego his senior season and declare for the 2026 NFL Draft.
“After much prayer and reflection, I am officially declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft,” Johnson wrote in a social media post. “Thank you, Nebraska.”
Johnson became the first Nebraska running back to win the Ameche-Dayne Big Ten Running Back of the Year award. The honor was first presented in 2011 when the Big Ten introduced position-specific awards.
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A Doak Walker Award and Maxwell Award semifinalist, Johnson ranks second nationally with 1,821 yards from scrimmage. He also ranks first in the Big Ten and fourth nationally in rushing yards per game at 120.9. He’s averaging 5.8 yards per carry.
The hard-charging runner has eight 100-yard rushing games this season, the most at Nebraska since Ameer Abdullah in 2013. Johnson is the only player in the Power Four with six 100-yard rushing games in conference play. He finished the season with five straight 100-yard rushing games, the longest streak at Nebraska since 2013.
Johnson’s 1,451 rushing yards rank eighth on Nebraska’s single-season rushing list. His versatility is evident as he leads all FBS running backs with 46 receptions.
