Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson was once again crucial in the Cornhuskers’ 28-21 win over the UCLA Bruins in Week 11 of college football action. Johnson tallied 103 yards on three receptions, resulting in two touchdowns, while adding 129 rushing yards on 28 carries, resulting in one touchdown.
For a program known for its storied running backs, Johnson became the first running back in Nebraska history to tally more than 100 receiving yards and 100 rushing yards in the same game. In the process, he led the Cornhuskers to win No. 7 of the season, the first time that the program has reached that mark during the regular season since 2016.
Matt Rhule Has Lofty Praise for Emmett Johnson
During his weekly news conference, Nebraska coach Matt Rhule advocated for Johnson to be included in the Heisman Trophy conversation that has been centered on quarterbacks this season.
“I personally believe Emmett Johnson should be in New York; I think he should be a Heisman candidate,” Rhule said. “I think he should be a Doak Walker finalist, if not winner. He’s a first-team All-American. He’ll win a bunch of awards this week. Really, really proud of Emmett, his character.
“He’s not taking huge hits. He makes people miss. He doesn’t take a lot of direct shots. There’s never been a time where he’s been limited in practice.”
LISTEN: Matt Rhule gives his endorsement for Emmett Johnson’s Heisman trophy candidacy.#GBR | #Huskers pic.twitter.com/7My2j9XtxU
— Hurrdat Sports (@HurrdatSports) November 10, 2025
The last Cornhuskers player to be a serious Heisman candidate was defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh in 2009, who finished fourth in the voting. The only other players in the program’s history to win the prestigious accolade were Johnny Rodgers in 1972, running back Mike Rozier back in 1983, and Eric Crouch in 2001.
Rhule Speaks on Johnson Returning Next Season
During his weekly news conference, Rhule dangled the possibility of Johnson sweeping all the awards on offer should he return to college football for an extra season instead of declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft.
“Does he want to go play in the NFL? If Emmett decided to come back, he obviously would be a preseason All-American, Heisman Trophy… he’d be on all the watch lists. But I’m not so sure he shouldn’t go play in the NFL,” Rhule said.
Johnson has tallied 1,131 rushing yards on 203 carries, resulting in 11 touchdowns, while adding 300 receiving yards on 36 catches, resulting in three touchdowns for the Cornhuskers this season. Depending on the decision regarding the running back’s future, Johnson still has two games to continue improving his offensive numbers, against the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Iowa Hawkeyes at home, before the season ends.
Way to do your due diligence when stating historical facts. Great reporting.
Eric Crouch and Johnny Rodger’s also won the Heisman while playing for Nebraska.