Husker RB Emmett Johnson declares for 2026 NFL draft

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Nebraska star running back Emmett Johnson declared for the 2026 NFL draft on Friday.

Johnson, who was named the Big Ten running back of the year, made the announcement in a post on X, thanking his coaches, teammates and Husker fans.

“Thank you, Nebraska,” he wrote.

Johnson was also named to the All-Big Ten First Team by both coaches and media this week.

This season, the Minnesota native rushed for 1,451 yards on 251 carries with 12 touchdowns, becoming the first Husker to rush over 1,000 yards in a season since 2018.

In addition to that feat, Johnson became the first Husker ever to have 100 rushing and receiving yards in a single game.

Nationally, Johnson led in receptions by a running back with 46 and ranked second in scrimmage yards with 1,821.

He is a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award, which is given to the collegiate player of the year.

If Johnson wins, he would become Nebraska’s second Maxwell Award recipient, joining Mike Rozier.