Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule has made clear that the starting running back position remains completely unsettled heading into preseason camp, describing a deep and competitive group ready to battle for carries in 2026.
Central to the latest update is Mekhi Nelson’s clearance. The sophomore, who saw limited action behind All-American Emmett Johnson last season, has been cleared to participate fully in camp after a June arrest in Key West, Florida, on an aggravated battery charge. Prosecutors later declined to file charges. Rhule confirmed Nelson’s availability and noted that he is rejoining a crowded backfield that includes sophomore Isaiah Mozee, junior Kwinten Ives, freshman Jamal Rule, and newcomer Tikey Hayes, among others. “Nelson is cleared for preseason camp,” Rhule indicated, while praising the overall depth in the room. He stressed that fall camp performances will ultimately decide the starter or, more likely, the rotation, rather than any predetermined depth chart.
Mozee, a former wide receiver who transitioned to running back and appeared in all 13 games as a true freshman in 2025, has spoken positively about the internal competition. Ives provided short-yardage reliability late last season, including in the bowl game. Rule, a highly regarded freshman, impressed in the spring game with a long touchdown run. Hayes, a transfer who spent time at Penn State and Iowa Western Community College, was added amid the earlier uncertainty surrounding Nelson’s status.
Rhule explained the decision to bring in Hayes by noting the need to prepare for every contingency, comparing it to an NFL approach of adding depth when questions arise. He has yet to work extensively with the newcomer but expressed interest in seeing how he fits.
Running backs coach E.J. Barthel oversees the group, which Rhule has repeatedly described as featuring “winning players” with complementary skill sets, explosive home-run ability from Nelson, size and shiftiness from Mozee, physicality from Ives, and upside from the younger and newer additions.
As the Cornhuskers open fall camp, the battle at running back stands out as one of the most intriguing position competitions on the roster. Rhule’s comments underscore that no one has locked down the top job, and the depth he has assembled should force strong performances throughout August. Whether one back separates or a multi-player rotation emerges, the group is expected to be a positive for a Nebraska team aiming to push beyond the bottom third of the B1G Conference.