Emmett Johnson reverses course, decides to return to Nebraska after all
Emmett Johnson has reversed course.
After announcing Thursday his intentions to enter the transfer portal, the Nebraska sophomore running back now says he’ll return to the Husker program for the bowl game and the 2025 season.
The transfer portal is set to open on Monday, Dec. 9.
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Johnson’s return is obviously a significant development for Big Red, as his original decision surprised many fans of the program because of the strong manner in which he finished the 2024 regular season.
The 5-foot-11, 200-pound Johnson has played in every game this season with four starts — including each of the last three games. He ranks second on the team with 102 carries, amassing 523 rushing yards and 809 all-purpose yards.
A native of Minneapolis, Johnson has 35 catches for 262 yards and one touchdown — career highs in each of those categories. He is one of two Huskers with both a rushing and receiving touchdown, and his 35 receptions are the most by a Husker running back since the 2007 season.
Nebraska selected to play in Pinstripe Bowl vs. Boston College on Dec. 28
Johnson plays best late in season
He played his best late in the season, when he became featured in the offense under new coordinator Dana Holgorsen.
That’s why his original portal news was a bit of a surprise.
In a November 23 win against Wisconsin, Johnson posted the first 100-yard rushing game of his collegiate career. He carried 16 times for 113 yards against the Badgers, the first 100-yard rushing game by a Nebraska running back in 19 games. He also caught six passes for a career-high 85 receiving yards.
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Johnson made his third straight start on Black Friday at Iowa and had 71 rushing yards on 18 carries while catching six passes for 25 yards, leading Nebraska in receptions.
Johnson started November 16 at USC and led Nebraska with 55 rushing yards on 10 carries, although Holgorsen was critical of the Husker backs for missing holes. Johnson also led NU with a career-high seven receptions, including a 29-yard touchdown for his first career receiving touchdown.
Johnson, Dowdell a one-two punch
Johnson and Dante Dowdell were at times a potent one-two punch this season and with more development figure to stabilize the position going forward.
A seven-game starter in 2024, Dowdell, also a sophomore, leads the team with 143 carries, 614 rushing yards (4.29 ypc) and 12 rushing touchdowns. He has led Nebraska in rushing in six of 12 games. His 12 rushing touchdowns are the most by a Husker running back since the 2018 season.
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