2026 NFL Prospect Profile: Nebraska Running Back Emmett Johnson

Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson declared for the 2026 NFL Draft after posting a 1,000-yard rushing campaign and was the first for a Husker to do this since 2018. The 5-foot-11, 200-pound runner shouldered a heavy workload, finishing with 1,451 rushing yards on 251 carries and 12 rushing touchdowns, while also hauling in 46 receptions for 370 receiving yards and three receiving scores, illustrating his dual-threat value. His all-purpose totals were among the best in the Big Ten and the nation. 

Johnson’s performance earned him Big Ten Running Back of the Year honors, the first Nebraska player to win the award. He also hauled in multiple First-Team All-American distinctions from several outlets and collected Maxwell Award and Doak Walker Award semifinalist honors. 

What sets Johnson apart is his complete skill set. He blends decisive vision with physical contact balance, allowing him to consistently maximize his yardage after contact and keep drives alive. His patience at the line of scrimmage and ability to hit second-level gaps with authority are hallmarks of his running style. Johnson’s balance and footwork also help him maintain a high rushing average (5.8 yards per carry in 2025), even with a significant number of carries against some of the nation’s stoutest defensive fronts. 

Johnson also stands out as a receiving option, demonstrating reliable hands and route awareness out of the backfield. His 46 catches in 2025 were the second-most ever by a Nebraska running back in a season, adding an important dimension to his résumé. That receiving ability, combined with his capacity to stay on the field in all three downs, increases his appeal to NFL teams seeking versatile backs who can contribute immediately.

Despite playing in a run-first offense, Johnson’s explosiveness has shown up in big games and against top competition. He logged eight 100-yard rushing games and one 200-yard performance in 2025, illustrating his consistency and durability. His strong finish to the season, including a standout outing against Iowa with over 200 scrimmage yards, further solidified his draft profile. 

Strengths

Vision and Patience

Reads blocking schemes well and decides decisively at the line of scrimmage.

Contact Balance

Shows ability to break arm tackles and fall forward for extra yards.

Dual-Threat Production

Threat as both a runner and receiver, increasing three-down value.

Workhorse Back

Handled significant carry volume and remained efficient throughout the season.

Accolades & Recognition

Big Ten RB of the Year, First-Team All-American honors.

Weaknesses

Top-End Speed

Not projected as an elite home-run threat compared to some draft peers.

Pass Protection

Improvement needed as a blocker against blitzing linebackers and defensive backs.

Experience Sample

Only one feature-back season at the Power Five level.

Durability Questions

High workload could lead evaluators to monitor long-term health.

Conclusion

Emmett Johnson enters the 2026 NFL Draft as a well-rounded, high-production running back prospect whose combination of vision, physicality, and versatility projects well to the next level. His breakout in 2025, marked by All-American honors and Big Ten Running Back of the Year recognition, places him among the top backs in a class that values multi-dimensional playmakers.

Draft Nation currently views Johnson as a Day 2 or early Day 3 selection. With his ability to contribute both on the ground and through the air, Johnson has the tools to become a reliable NFL starter and a key piece of an offense at the next level.