What Emmett Johnson transfer means for Nebraska football

Emmett Johnson is the 10th Nebraska football player to enter the transfer portal. The Huskers leader in yards from scrimmage this past season posted a message on X to confirm reports that he was leaving the program.

There were rumors about Johnson leaving on Wednesday and those proved to be true. He ran 102 times for 523 yards this season (5.1 per carry) in addition to 35 receptions for 262 yards and one touchdown reception.

Johnson came on at the end of the season after Dana Holgorsen was hired as the offensive coordinator. Johnson had 385 total yards of total offense in the last three games of the season for Nebraska football (128 yards per game).

That’s why the decision is interesting. It seemed like he found a bigger role in the offense. Some fans will freak out about this departure but there’s no denying Johnson could have helped this team.

However, Nebraska could use a true difference-maker at running back. That doesn’t feel like it’s Johnson or Dante Dowdell. They are both solid backs, but it’s been since Ameer Abdullah that Nebraska has had a true game-changer and maybe this will spurn them on to try to find one in the portal.

Maybe the Huskers told Johnson they were going to seek a running back in the portal and that caused him to leave. Or maybe, he wanted to take advantage of the best three-game stretch of his career.

It doesn’t really matter. Nebraska signed two running backs on Wednesday but it feels like running back climbed up the list in terms of transfer portal needs.

Nebraska football coach leaves the program

Garret McGuire is gone too. Matt Rhule indicated that McGuire could return after a new wide receivers coach was hired but according to Football Scoop, McGuire will go to Texas Tech where he will coach for his dad Joey McGuire.

McGuire used to work for Matt Rhule so it’s a good landing spot for the former Nebraska wide receivers coach. Garret is an asset on the trail but Holgorsen wanted Daikel Shorts, a guy who has played and coached for him in the past.

Shorts worked at Kentucky last season after three seasons under Holgorsen at Houston. It will be interesting to see if any wide receivers follow from the Wildcats but some have already hit the portal.

Nebraska has suffered 10 departures this week but there will be additions too, so don’t panic. We haven’t reached the other side of this yet.

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