Nebraska connected to transfer portal RB; New 2026 D-line offer

Nebraska football running back Emmett Johnson has been getting some major buzz as a Heisman Trophy contender this week, led by head coach Matt Rhule.

Rhule spoke about Johnson for over 1:30 during his weekly press conference on Monday, listing his achievements and explaining why Johnson, who accounts for more of his team’s yards than any other player in college football, should be a Heisman Trophy contender.

Johnson deserves that consideration. He’s been the best running back in college football. We’ll see if he can make his way to New York. That would be an achievement in its own right, but it would probably take two more games like the one he had against UCLA with around 200 total yards.

Regardless of all that, Rhule also said Johnson should probably go to the NFL after this season. With the way running backs get worn down, it would be hard to blame him. Johnson’s stock is hot. He feels like a day-two pick.

With the running back room the way it is, a departure by Johnson to the NFL draft would likely mean a transfer portal addition. As it happens, there is already a transfer portal running back being connected to Nebraska football — Dylan Edwards.

The former Colorado and Kansas State running back entered the portal after playing in just four games this season, in part due to injury. He’ll be able to redshirt and have two years to play. Edwards has 184 career carries for 1,067 yards (5.8 average). He’s also got 58 receptions for 449 yards to go along with 14 total touchdowns (6 receiving).

Reports have connected Nebraska to Edwards. It makes a ton of sense. The Huskers could use a starting running back, and Edwards has many of the same skills as Johnson. He’s a dynamic threat in the passing game and is capable of creating explosive plays.

Add Edwards to a room that should include Jamarion Parker, Isaiah Mozee, Kwinten Ives, and Mekhi Nelson, plus Connor Booth and Jamal Rule, and it sounds pretty good.

It will be hard to replace Johnson if he leaves, but the Huskers seem to have a plan brewing already.

Nebraska football aims for two D-line recruits in 2026

Husker fans who follow recruiting know that Nebraska football needs defensive line recruits in the 2026 class. One name to keep an eye on is three-star Damaad Lewis. He’s not committed and just took an official visit to Nebraska. He also visited Florida State.

Lewis is a 6-foot-4, 245-pound EDGE, who is ranked No. 432 overall, according to the 247 Sports composite rankings. Out of Charlotte, Lewis would be a nice get, and with the tumult surrounding Mike Norvell, it feels like this is a recruitment Nebraska should be able to win.

Another defensive lineman newly on the radar is JUCO prospect David Chukwuemeka. The Huskers just offered the 6-foot-7, 280-pounder out of Los Angeles City College. Kentucky just hosted him for an official visit. Baylor did last month, too.

Arizona State just offered after Nebraska, while UCLA and Arizona are among the programs listed as “warm” by 247 Sports. Chukwuemeka would be an intriguing addition to the 2026 class. Nebraska needs more talent up front, and the three-star, who is the top-ranked JUCO in 2026, would meet that need.

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