When you think about breakout players for Nebraska football in 2025, the name on everyone’s lips is quarterback Dylan Raiola. But while all eyes are on the five-star signal caller, there’s another name quietly rising through the ranks, and come fall, it may be impossible to ignore Kwinten Ives.
The 6-foot-3, 210-pound running back has spent the offseason redefining what it means to be a Big Ten back. He’s not just built for the bruising conference, he’s made to thrive in it. With a 40-yard dash of 4.38 seconds and an eye popping 41.8-inch vertical leap, Ives brings a rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism that doesn’t just turn heads, it could break games open.
Last season, Ives saw action in nine games, though mostly on special teams. This spring, Ives emerged as one of the most improved players on the offensive side of the ball. Offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen didn’t mince words in praising the sophomore’s growth, specifically pointing out Ives’ enhanced physicality and his ability in pass protection, a crucial skill in Holgorsen’s wide-open offensive system. Running backs coach EJ Barthel echoed the sentiment, noting Ives’ versatility and route running ability despite his larger frame. It’s a sign the staff is planning to use Ives in more than just traditional run situations, he could be a weapon in the passing game as well.
As Nebraska transitions into summer workouts, Ives looks poised to cement himself as the No. 2 running back behind Emmett Johnson. Not far behind him is freshman Jamarion Parker, another athletic, high upside back. Together, Ives and Parker form a duo that should have Husker fans excited about the future of this Emmett Johnson led running back room.
While Johnson remains the steady presence expected to carry the bulk of the early down workload, Ives has the tools to become a dynamic change of pace back, or even more. His speed allows him to break big plays on the perimeter, while his power gives Nebraska a viable option in short yardage and red zone situations. And with the kind of spring he just had, don’t be surprised if the gap between Johnson and Ives narrows as the season progresses.Importantly, Nebraska’s decision to stay quiet at running back in the transfer portal is a loud vote of confidence in its current stable of backs. It signals belief, not just in Johnson, but in the development of young talents like Ives and Parker. And based on what we’re hearing out of spring camp, that belief is well placed.
If Raiola is the headliner of the 2025 Husker offense, Ives may very well be the surprise star that gives it balance. The potential is obvious, his metrics alone scream “NFL prototype,” and with the added polish he’s shown in practice, the coaching staff believes this could be the year he puts it all together.
Don’t be shocked if by season’s end, Ives is more than just a complementary piece, he could be one of the most productive backs in the Big Ten. He may not have the national spotlight now, but if his offseason performance is any indication, Kwinten Ives is about to put himself, and Nebraska back on the map.