I think most of us knew that this was coming and we got the official word from Emmett Johnson himself today on twitter.
Emmett Johnson has gone from being an unheralded recruit to the best running back in the Big Ten conference.
Just yesterday Emmett Johnson was named the Ameche-Dayne Big Ten Running Back of the Year and was first team All-Big Ten from both the media and the coaches for his 2025 season.
In 2025, he ran for 1,451 yards which is top 10 in school history — a school which is know for great
running backs. His 1,451 yards is the most by a Nebraska running back since 2014.
Johnson also lead all college football running backs with 46 receptions for 370 yards.
When it comes to comparing him to other Big Ten running backs, he is just the 7th Big Ten player since 1956 to have 1,400 rushing yards and 350 receiving yards in a season. Only two players in the Big Ten have reached that milestone in the past 20 years. Emmett Johnson and Saquon Barkley.
It is my personal opinion that this is the right move for Emmett Johnson. Would have loved to have him back but when Ameer Abdullah came out and said he wishes he would have gone to the NFL a year early because of the wear and tear he took his senior year then I thought for sure Emmett Johnson would be leaving. I don’t blame him.
Looking forward to watching him next year in the NFL!
Here is the transcript of what was in his post on X (as of right now we are having technical difficulties loading the tweet):
I want to give all glory to God for blessing me with the opportunity to honor Him through the game of football. This journey has been shaped by incredible people whose love, guidance, and belief in me have carried me through every high and low.
To my brother, Charles Johnson, thank you for constantly pushing me to grow mentally, physically, and spiritually. To my parents, Precious and Charles Johnson, your sacrifices and dedication gave me the foundation to chase my dreams with confidence. To my sister, Naomi Johnson, thank you for standing by me through every challenge and moment of adversity.
A special thank-you to Coach Dana Holgerson. Your belief in my abilities and trust in me transformed my football career in ways I’ll appreciate forever. Playing in your offense gave me the platform to truly showcase who I am as a player and a person. To Coach Matt Rhule, thank you for taking me into this incredible university and helping me grow on and off the field. You gave me life lessons that I will cherish forever. To Coach EJ Barthel, thank you for every unseen hour you spent developing me into the player I am today. Your passion and dedication mean everything.
Ron Brown, thank you for recruiting a 5’10, 176 pound running back from Minneapolis, Minnesota to play running back at the historic Running Back U. To Coach Corey Campbell thank you for the development the last 3 years physically and mentally. I appreciate your hard work and dedication in preparation for games, as well as life motivation. To Coach Kendrick, my first coach, thank you for introducing me to this game and giving me the confidence and foundation to dominate on the field. And to all my youth football coaches, your guidance helped build the love, discipline, and competitive spirit I carry today.
To Malcolm Hartzog, thanks for being there for me through all adversities. We have overcome a lot, and you became a brother from another mother to me since freshman year. God has a plan for you and your future.
To Troy Bell, thank you for being a mentor to me and for giving me great life advice throughout the years.
To Matt Atkinson, thank you for the support and guidance throughout my career here at the University.
Coach Jim Gunderson, thank you for your consistent support during my high school years and for your spiritual guidance.
To Victor and Satta, thank you for being my second family and for giving me a home away from home. You guys have been such a blessing to my family and me.
To my Church, Mt. Zion Interdenominational Ministries, a big heartfelt thanks for supporting and guiding me in my faith throughout my journey. Thank you Pastor Reginald W Chea for the constant Prayers for protection and blessings.
To my teammates, thank you for pushing me, believing in me, and battling beside me every single day. The brotherhood we’ve built on and off the field has been invaluable, and I will carry the lessons, memories, and camaraderie with me forever. Lastly, to the Nebraska fans, the best in college football, your unwavering support has meant the world to me.
After much prayer and reflection, I am officially declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. Thank you, Nebraska.
GBR forever!
