Spring football practices are officially underway in Lincoln. One of the biggest questions is how effective Nebraska’s offense will be with offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen having a whole offseason to develop.
Last season, the Huskers’ offense faced significant challenges. The No. 103-ranked scoring offense had a few lackluster performances. Junior running back Emmett Johnson anticipates that he and the rest of the Nebraska offense will make a remarkable leap with Holgorsen’s scheme.
“I expect us to put up a lot of points,” Johnson said at Tuesday’s media availability.
Johnson is positioned to be one of the Huskers’ most utilized offensive tools in 2025. Last season, the junior running back had career highs in rushing and receiving. The ability to catch passes out of the backfield or even split out wide makes the Minnesota native versatile. His 598 yards on the ground and 286 yards through the air make Johnson an ideal fit for Holgorsen’s offense.
“That’s a big part of this offseason for me,” Johnson said on his versatility. “I don’t just want to be a running back. I feel like I’m a weapon on the field; you can line me up in the slot. I’m able to run the ball [and] do whatever the team needs for us to win.”
Johnson was about to enter the transfer portal last December. Holgorsen’s sales pitch was crucial for the back to stay in Lincoln.
“Coach Holgorsen is a great guy,” Johnson said. “He has a great system, and I feel I fit really well in it. Talking to him was big in terms of me coming back, and I’m really excited to get it going this season.”
With Johnson at the forefront in leading Nebraska on the offensive side, his veteran presence has led him to become one of the main leaders.
“Being the veteran is huge for me in my development,” Johnson said. “I feel like I’ve been a lot of a vocal leader this offseason. Just helping the younger guys. I was once a younger guy myself, seems crazy saying that now.”
The Huskers’ transfer portal additions and high school recruits have made its roster talent stand out. Of them, transfer wide receivers, senior Dane Key and sophomore Nyziah Hunter, have made their presence known quickly.
“Dane [Key] and Nzaiah [Hunter], a couple of those transfer guys have been really special,” Johnson said. “We’ve got a lot of talent in that room.”
Although Hunter and Key are big transfer portal additions, Nebraska did not add a running back from the portal. In the Big Ten, having multiple running backs ready to go is a must. Other than Johnson, the Huskers lack experience out of the backfield.
The running backs expected to be in the mix to spell the junior running back include sophomore Kwinten Ives, redshirt freshman Mekhi Nelson and true freshman Jamarion Parker, all of whom could be impactful.
“We have a lot of running backs who can do a lot of different things,” Johnson said. “A lot of speed out of the room who are versatile.”
Sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola and Johnson have created quite the chemistry on and off the field. The two were seen attending multiple local basketball games over the winter. Like Johnson, Raiola is expected to take the next step under center. The sophomore quarterback’s maturity appears to be on a new level.
“Dylan [Raiola] has grown up really quick from last season,” Johnson said. “Him and I are together almost every day. He’s seen what it takes to play in the Big Ten now. He’s definitely taken that step in a leadership role.”
With the high expectations under year three of head coach Matt Rhule, Johnson expects the talk to be backed up with Nebraska’s play on the field.
“I feel like Nebraska is going to be the team everyone wants to beat this year,” Johnson said.