Emmett Johnson remaining mum on future with Huskers

LINCOLN, Neb. — After generating a stellar performance in the loss to Iowa, the junior running back is facing a major decision regarding his future with Nebraska, and Big Red Nation is eager to find out.

Emmett Johnson took the nation by storm this season, and eclipsed the century mark in rushing yards in eight different games. The Minnesota native ended the regular season with a bang, and rushed for a career-high, 217 yards against Iowa. The incredible outing was bittersweet for Johnson though, because the Hawkeyes spoiled the Huskers’ Senior Day and won the game 40-16.

Johnson wanted to send the seniors out in style, but took it pretty hard when he couldn’t carry the team to the finish line.

“I was just trying to leave it all out there on the field,” Johnson said. “We talk about helping the seniors go out with a win, so I just wanted to leave it all out there for them, trusting my training, trusting what God put me on this Earth to do, keep working hard, trying to make plays for this team to win.”

The most explosive play of the game came on Nebraska’s second drive of the first half. That’s when Johnson rushed for a 70-yard touchdown, but after replay review the ball was placed at the goalline. He eventually punched it in for the Huskers’ lone touchdown on the afternoon, which was something for Johnson to feel positive about.

With the regular season coming to an end, fans are now wondering if Johnson is ever going to suit up in a Nebraska uniform again. After all, he has plenty of options on the table after leading the Big Ten, and ranking third nationally in rushing yards. Not to mention his 1,451 yards on the ground are the most by a Husker running back since Ameer Abdullah.

Johnson can choose to play in Nebraska’s upcoming bowl game, which everyone will find out against who, and where this Sunday. He could also opt out of the bowl game, forego his remaining eligibility and enter the NFL Draft, considering his stock is likely as high as it’s going to get. The value of running backs at the next level isn’t what it used to be, and rushers have a short life span in the pros.

Johnson could even chase a bigger NIL deal with the Huskers, or hit the transfer portal, which opens up soon.

Regardless of his decision, it’s going to have a huge impact on his family, and Nebraska. Which is why Johnson is taking his time on what he’s going to do with his future.

“Just leaning on God, leaning on my faith, going to go back home and talk to my family, and let God take over that,” he said. “I’m going to take this time to pray about everything, because I’m thankful for everybody here, our fans, teammates, I love this place a lot, so I’m going to let God decide what I’m going to do.”

It’s no mystery that Johnson was the lone bright spot for Nebraska’s offense this season. His versatility is noteworthy. Johnson can be a workhorse, catch passes out of the backfield with his soft hands, block defenders nearly twice his size, runs the ball with authority and rarely absorbs big hits. Some NFL Draft analysts are already giving Johnson a fourth round grade.

Whatever he decides, his teammates, coaches and the fans will support. There’s no denying that Johnson put together a tremendous season with Nebraska. He etched his name into Husker lore, and can still add to his legacy if he decides to play in the bowl game and beyond. Johnson deserves the right to take all of the time that he needs to evaluate, and decide the rest of his playing career.

All Big Red Nation can do is be thankful for his services, knowing he put it all on the line for the scarlet and cream. At the end of the day, Johnson just wants to be an inspiration to the younger, and future Husker running backs when it’s all said and done.

“I’m blessed that I can be an example for a lot of the younger guys, and I tell them all the time to keep attacking days, it might not be your time right now, but working hard right now is going to separate you when you do get your opportunities.”