The Nebraska Cornhuskers might be on the verge of adding a game-changing talent to their backfield. Marty Brown, the standout running back from North Dakota State University, has entered the transfer portal, and sources indicate Nebraska is in prime position to land the Omaha native over the University of Miami.
Marty Brown, whose legal name is Charmar, made waves during his redshirt freshman campaign at NDSU, rushing for an impressive 1,181 yards and 15 touchdowns. His breakthrough season earned him the prestigious Jerry Rice Award, making him only the second Bison player to receive this honor.
The Creighton Prep graduate’s journey is particularly compelling. Despite being a three-star recruit with limited FBS offers out of high school, Brown’s explosive 2024 season proved he belongs on the biggest stage. His performance included four 100+ yard games, highlighted by a career best 126 yard, three-touchdown showcase against Towson last September.
What makes Brown’s potential addition to Nebraska’s running back room so intriguing is the timing. The Huskers are already sitting on a powder keg of talent with established starter Emmett Johnson leading the charge. Johnson, who has earned the coaching staff’s trust, provides a solid foundation for the running game. However, the real intrigue lies in the battle for the crucial RB2 position.
In the physically demanding Big Ten, having multiple quality backs isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. The current competition between sophomore Kwinten Ives (6’3″, 210 lbs) and freshman sensation Jamarion Parker already promises to be fascinating. Adding Brown (5’11”, 218 lbs) to this mix would create the kind of positive problem that offensive coordinators dream about.
Brown’s credentials are impressive beyond just the raw numbers. His PFF grades tell the story of an elite talent, posting an offensive grade of 90.8 and a rushing grade of 89.5, ranking third among all MVFC running backs and 11th among all Division-I backs. Even more impressive was his clutch performance in NDSU’s national championship victory over Montana State, where he contributed 77 yards and a touchdown despite battling turf toe.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, the potential running back hierarchy could evolve significantly as the season progresses. While Johnson is firmly entrenched as the starter, the competition for the second spot would likely begin as a battle between Ives and Brown. However, don’t count out Parker, whose patience and vision have already drawn praise from the coaching staff. The freshman could very well force his way into the rotation, potentially earning 50+ carries by season’s end.
This depth would represent a remarkable turnaround for a position group that initially raised depth concerns. With Brown’s potential addition, the Huskers would boast four capable backs, each bringing unique strengths to the table. Johnson’s established presence, Ives’ imposing physical style, Parker’s natural instincts, and Brown’s proven production would give Nebraska one of the most versatile running back rooms in the conference.
Brown, who has three years of eligibility remaining, would arrive in Lincoln at the perfect time to contribute immediately while also building for the future. His addition would not only provide immediate depth but also ensure the Huskers have a succession plan in place as the roster naturally evolves.
For a Nebraska program that’s shown significant progress under Matt Rhule’s leadership, landing a talent like Brown could be another crucial piece in the puzzle. The combination of his proven production, local ties, and perfect scheme fit makes this potential transfer a story worth watching closely as the Huskers continue building toward Big Ten contention.