After spending some time analyzing film and evaluating Nebraska’s running back room heading into the 2025 season, there’s both promise and uncertainty surrounding this crucial position group. While concerns linger about establishing a dominant ground game in the physically demanding Big Ten conference, several intriguing pieces could help the Huskers find success.
Standing at 6-0 and 200 pounds, Emmett Johnson enters 2025 as the clear starter. Johnson’s film shows excellent burst and ability to find running lanes, but questions remain about his durability as a featured back in the Big Ten. While his skillset suggests he could be dynamic in space, the prospect of him handling 20+ carries per game seems unlikely given the conference’s physical nature. Johnson projects better in a role where he can stay fresh and explosive, sharing carries with complementary backs.
Currently positioned as the second-string back, Kwinten Ives brings a different dimension to Nebraska’s ground attack. At 6’3″ and 210 pounds, Ives possesses the size and power to fill the void left by Donte Dowdell’s departure. His combination of size and surprising speed makes him an intriguing option for short-yardage situations. The film shows a back who runs with authority and could provide the power element this offense needs.
Don’t sleep on Conor Booth’s potential impact in 2025. Despite coming off injuries and a challenging high school career, Booth’s film displays the kind of toughness and strength that could earn him meaningful snaps. While he may start the season lower on the depth chart, his resilience and physical running style could prove valuable as the season progresses.
Perhaps the most exciting prospect in the room is freshman Jamarion Parker. Coming out of Missouri, Parker’s film analysis reveals something special, elite vision and patience rarely seen in young backs. His ability to let plays develop before exploding through holes is reminiscent of some of the conference’s best backs. Parker’s combination of vision, patience, and breakaway speed could see him climb the depth chart quickly. Don’t be surprised if he overtakes Ives for the backup role by season’s end.
The running back room’s potential success in 2025 is bolstered by notable improvements along the offensive line. Better blocking up front should provide these backs with cleaner running lanes and more opportunities to showcase their abilities. This enhanced line play could be the key to unlocking the full potential of this diverse backfield.
While Nebraska’s running back room might not currently rank among the conference’s elite units, there’s enough talent here to position them solidly in the middle of the Big Ten. Johnson provides a reliable starter, Ives offers power, Booth brings depth, and Parker possesses the potential to be a game-changer. Under running backs coach E.J. Barthel, who recently received a well-deserved extension through 2027, this group has the coaching stability and talent to exceed expectations.
The wild card remains Parker. If his impressive vision and patience translate to the college level as expected, he could elevate Nebraska’s running game to another level. While the group as a whole projects as middle-of-the-pack in the Big Ten, Parker’s emergence could help the Huskers surprise many and climb those rankings as the season progresses.