Janiran Bonner injury update: Matt Rhule reveals crushing news on Nebraska WR

Nebraska received tough news on Monday regarding the health of wide receiver Janiran Bonner. Head coach Matt Rhule announced Bonner will miss the rest of the 2025 season due to a torn ACL. The injury occurred during the season opener against Cincinnati at Arrowhead Stadium.

“In terms of injuries, Janiran Bonner will be out for the year,” Rhule said. “He tore his ACL in the game on Thursday. Pretty healthy other than that.”

Bonner got three touches in the Nebraska win, one catch and two rushing attempts. While only eight total yards came from them, Rhule knows this is a massive loss for the Cornhuskers. Not only because of the versatility Bonner can provide — shown by his brief stats vs. Cincinnati.

People inside the locker room are massive fans of Bonner, too. Rhule spoke highly of the player while sounding disappointed. But still knows the team will be able to rally around Bonner throughout the course of the year due to his off-field presence.

“It’s a tremendous loss on the field,” Rhule said. “He’s a great football player. Plays on all the specials teams. He’s a wideout, he’s a running back, he’s a fullback, he’s a tight end. He can do it all. Selfless. He’s a great teammate. I’m sure he’ll continue to inspire his teammates, though, with his attitude. I just know how much he means to everybody. He doesn’t mean a lot to us because he’s a good player, he means a lot to us because of who he is. Everyone will rally around him and watch him come back better than ever.”

With or without the injury, Bonner was going to have another year of eligibility remaining. Nebraska should be able to get him back in time for the 2026 season. Being able to stay inside the program and rehab is a big plus from a personal side as well.

In 26 career games, Bonner has 13 receptions to his name for a total of 67 yards. The first receiving touchdown of his time in a Nebraska uniform came in last season’s overtime loss against Illinois. Bonner also has 24 rushing yards and two touchdowns on eight attempts.

Life without Bonner will begin on Saturday in Lincoln. Nebraska hosts Akron with a chance to start a season 2-0 for the second year running. Expectations have massively grown under Rhule and the Huskers are hoping to finally deliver results.