Johnson Adds First-Team All-America Honor from The Sporting News
Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson continues to add to his list of postseason awards. On Wednesday, Johnson was named a first-team All-American all-purpose back by The Sporting News, adding to a series of accolades over the past two weeks.
In addition to today’s recognition from The Sporting News, Johnson was also a first-team All-America choice by Sports Illustrated (RB), On3 (All-Purpose) and CBS Sports.com (All-Purpose). Johnson has also earned second-team All-America awards from the Walter Camp Football Foundation, the Associated Press, The Athletic and USA Today.
With his All-America honors, Johnson is the 97th player in Nebraska football history to earn first-team honors, with that group combining for a total of 111 first-team selections. Johnson is the first Nebraska player to earn first-team recognition since linebacker Lavonte David in 2011. Johnson is also the Husker running back to earn first-team All-America honors since Heisman winner Mike Rozier in 1983.
Johnson’s 2025 season was one of the best by a running back in Nebraska football history. His 1,451 rushing yards ranked in the top 10 in school history and were the most by a Husker since 2014. Johnson rushed for better than 100 yards eight times this season, including six times in conference play. Johnson’s average of 120.9 rushing yards per game led the Big Ten and ranked fourth nationally.
Johnson also led all FBS running backs with 46 receptions for 370 yards. His 151.8 yards per game from scrimmage also lead the nation.
His season stacks up well historically with Big Ten greats. Johnson is just the seventh Big Ten player since 1956 to have 1,400 rushing yards and 350 receiving yards in a season. Johnson and Penn State’s Saquon Barkley (2015) are the only Big Ten players to reach those milestones in the past 20 years.
The All-America recognition followed Johnson being named the Ameche-Dayne Big Ten Running Back of the Year in early December. The Football Writers Association of America All-America team will be announced on Thursday, the final major All-America team to be announced this season.