Johnson Named Doak Walker Award Semifinalist
University of Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson was named as one of 10 semifinalists for the 2025 Doak Walker National Collegiate Running Back Award Tuesday morning.
Johnson ranks in the top five nationally in both yards from scrimmage and rushing yards entering this week’s game at Penn State. On the season, Johnson has 1,431 yards from scrimmage which leads all power conference players and ranks second nationally. On the ground, the junior from Minneapolis has 1,131 yards and 11 TD to rank fourth in rushing yards per game and fifth in total rushing yards. He also has 36 receptions, which ranks third among all running backs nationally, for 300 yards and three scores. He has six 100-yard rushing performances this year, including three straight 100-yard performances. In the win over UCLA on Nov. 8, he became the first Husker to ever have 100 yards rushing (129) and receiving (103) in the same game.
The semifinalist list features the current top six rushers in the FBS and seven of the top10, along with the top four rushing touchdown leaders. The Big Ten, American and Southeastern Conferences each have two of the semifinalists while the Big 12, Conference USA, Mountain West and Notre Dame as an Independent have one apiece.
Three finalists for the 2025 Doak Walker Award will be announced a week from today and the winner will be unveiled live on ESPN during The Home Depot College Football Awards in December. Johnson is bidding to become Nebraska’s fourth Doak Walker finalist, joining Ameer Abdullah (2014), Ahman Green (1997) and Calvin Jones (1993).
Named after Doak Walker, a legendary figure in college football and the NFL, the Doak Walker Award presented by the PwC SMU Athletic Forum has been awarded to the nation’s top running back since 1990.
Johnson and the Huskers are in action this Saturday when Nebraska travels to Penn State. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. (central) and the game will be carried on NBC and the Huskers Radio Network.