The running back room for the Huskers is going to look very different this upcoming season.
After rushing for 614 yards and 12 touchdowns after transferring in from Oregon, running back Dante Dowdell decided to enter his name into the transfer portal, shortly after it was announced the Emmett Johnson would be withdrawing his name from the transfer portal.
While the Huskers are set with rising running back Emmett Johnson, there isn’t a ton of familiarity or experience to back him up.
Although the Huskers landed two running back in their 2025 high school recruiting class, they have yet to land a running back via the transfer portal, as we might see the Huskers make an addition after they wrap up spring practice.
Running Backs coach EJ Barthel remains at Nebraska with a new contract extension after flirting with the Texas job.
Projected Starter:
Emmett Johnson:
2024 Stats: 117 CAR 598 YDS 1 TD
Running back and Quarterback might be the only two positions for the Huskers that are 100% solidified heading into 2025.
Emmett Johnson is emerging as a star for the Huskers backfield.
Johnsons ability to break tackles, make defenders miss and be a reliable option out of the backfield for Dylan Raiola are going to be key for this offense that has big expectations under new Offensive Coordinator Dana Holgorsen.
Rotational Pieces:
Kwinten Ives:
Kwinten Ives signed to Nebraska as a 3 star recruit out of Palmyra High School in Palmyra, New Jersey and would redshirt his true freshman season in 2023.
In 2024, Ives appeared in 9 games for the Huskers, and scored a touchdown while providing some key plays in the Kick Return game.
Mehki Nelson:
Mehki Nelson would commit to Nebraska in June of 2024, originally as a recruit in the class of 2025 before reclassifying up a year, shortly after announcing his commitment.
Nelson would redshirt in 2024, but don’t be surprised to see Nelson become a consistent part of the Huskers backfield, coaches have been talking a lot about Nelson.
Nelson was ranked as a 3 star recruit out of St. Thomas More High School in Oakdale, CT and can be used in many different ways, whether that be on the ground or in the receiving game.
Wild Cards:
Jamarion Parker:
Jamarion Parker finished his high school career as a 4 star recruit, ranked 387th in the country (247SpoIrts) out of Cardinal Ritter Prep School in St. Louis, MO.
The Huskers would flip Parker from Arkansas in June of 2024 and would hold off a final push from Arkansas up until Signing Day.
Parker is a burner and has quick feet to make defenders miss in open space, running a 10.99 in the 100 Meter as a high school freshman.
I wouldn’t count on Parker redshirting for the Huskers in 2025, especially if he takes advantage in the weight room this summer.
Conor Booth:
As a senior at Bishop Neumann High School in Wahoo, Nebraska, Conor Booth would rush for 2,956 YDS and 50 TDs, a record breaking senior season, putting him on the map for the Huskers on the recruiting trail.
As a prospect, Booth was ranked as a 3 Star recruit and committed to the Huskers back in December of 2024.
Booth is already built for the college game physically, has good speed and is tough to bring down, though he has played against Class C-2 competition for 4 years.
It wouldn’t surprise me if Booth was the Huskers lead back in the near future.
Projected Depth Chart:
RB1- Emmett Johnson
RB2- Kwinten Ives
RB3- Mehki Nelson/Jamarion Parker
2025 is a key season for Head Coach Matt Rhule and the Cornhuskers, so it wouldn’t surprise me if the Huskers decide to bring in another back from the transfer portal.