LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson has been named one of 13 semifinalists for the Maxwell Award, given annually to the nation’s top collegiate player by the Maxwell Football Club.
Johnson is looking to become just the second Husker to ever win the honor, joining Mike Rozier, who claimed the award in 1983. Of this year’s 13 semifinalists, Johnson and Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love are the only two running backs on the list.
The sophomore standout has put together one of the most impressive seasons in college football, ranking second nationally in rushing yards (1,131) and leading the country with 1,431 total yards from scrimmage heading into Nebraska’s Nov. 22 matchup at Penn State.
Johnson has scored 14 total touchdowns this season, 11 on the ground and three through the air, while also catching 36 passes for 300 yards, the second-most receptions among FBS running backs.
He’s recorded six 100-yard rushing games, including three straight, and made Husker history in the Nov. 8 win over UCLA by becoming the first Nebraska player ever to post 100 rushing (129) and 100 receiving yards (103) in the same game.
His breakout year has helped lead Nebraska to a 7-3 record, the program’s best regular-season mark since 2016. His standout play recently prompted Head Coach Matt Rhule to publicly advocate for the junior running back’s Heisman Trophy candidacy.
Johnson is one of six Big Ten players named Maxwell Award semifinalists, alongside Makai Lemon (USC), Fernando Mendoza (Indiana), Dante Moore (Oregon), and Ohio State teammates Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith.
The winners of the 89th Maxwell Award and 31st Chuck Bednarik Award will be announced during the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show later this season.
Johnson Earns National, Conference Weekly Honors
Johnson’s performance against UCLA also earned him Maxwell Club National Player of the Week honors.
He totaled 232 yards from scrimmage in Nebraska’s 28–21 win, rushing for 129 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries while adding three receptions for a career-high 103 yards and two scores.
He was also recognized as the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts.
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