Running back Emmett Johnson became the first Nebraska Cornhusker selected in the 2026 NFL Draft on Saturday, April 25, when the Kansas City Chiefs picked him in the fifth round with the 161st overall selection. The Chiefs traded up in the draft, swapping picks with the Pittsburgh Steelers to move into the 161st spot and land the dynamic Nebraska rusher. Johnson is the first offensive player the Chiefs selected through their first five picks in this year’s draft.
Johnson’s selection continues a proud tradition of Nebraska running backs in the NFL. He becomes the 41st Husker RB drafted in the Common Era (since 1967), tying for the second-most of any school in the country. However, he is the first Nebraska running back taken since fullback Andy Janovich was selected in the sixth round by the Denver Broncos in 2016.
A native of Minneapolis, Minn., the 5-10, 205lb Johnson exploded onto the national scene during his junior season in 2025. He started all 12 regular-season games for the Huskers before opting out of the bowl game after declaring for the draft. Johnson rushed for 1,451 yards on 251 carries with 12 touchdowns, posting the first 1,000-yard rushing season by a Nebraska player since 2018. He also contributed as a receiver, finishing with 1,821 total scrimmage yards and 15 touchdowns while leading the nation in yards per game.
Johnson earned 2025 All-American honors and was named Big Ten Running Back of the Year. At the NFL Combine, he ran a 4.56-second 40-yard dash, posted a 35.5-inch vertical jump and recorded 16 bench-press reps, showcasing the versatility and vision that made him one of the most productive backs in the 2026 draft class.
For the Chiefs, the pick addresses a key need in the backfield following recent roster moves. Johnson joins a Kansas City running back room that includes Kenneth Walker III and Emari Demercado. Chiefs fans and analysts have already expressed excitement about the addition of the cornerstone of the Nebraska offense.
With his blend of power, elusiveness, and pass-catching ability, the former Husker is poised to make an immediate impact in the Chiefs’ backfield as they look to build on their recent success. Husker fans across the country will be watching closely as Johnson trades the scarlet and cream for the red and gold.