Johnson Advances as Doak Walker Award Semifinalist at Nebraska University
Emmett Johnson, the star running back from the University of Nebraska, has achieved a significant milestone. He has been named one of ten semifinalists for the 2025 Doak Walker National Collegiate Running Back Award. This recognition highlights his exceptional performance on the field this season.
Johnson’s Impressive Performance
As the season progresses, Johnson has distinguished himself in several key statistics. Currently, he is among the top five in the nation for both rushing yards and yards from scrimmage.
- Yards from Scrimmage: 1,431 yards, leading all power conference players and ranking second nationally.
- Rushing Yards: 1,131 yards, placing him fourth in rushing yards per game and fifth in total rushing yards.
- Touchdowns: 11 touchdowns scored, showcasing his scoring ability.
- Receptions: 36 catches for 300 yards and three touchdowns, ranking third among running backs.
Historic Achievements
On November 8, Johnson made history as the first Nebraska player to rush for over 100 yards (129) and receive for over 100 yards (103) in the same game against UCLA. This remarkable achievement underscores his dual-threat capability as both a runner and a receiver.
Semifinalist Details
The Doak Walker Award semifinalist list comprises top players from various conferences:
- Two semifinalists from the Big Ten Conference.
- Two from the American Conference.
- Two from the Southeastern Conference.
- One each from the Big 12, Conference USA, and Mountain West.
- One from Notre Dame as an Independent.
Looking Forward
The finalists for the 2025 Doak Walker Award will be announced in a week. The winner will be revealed live on ESPN during The Home Depot College Football Awards in December.
Johnson aims to become Nebraska’s fourth finalist for this prestigious award, joining notable past finalists Ameer Abdullah (2014), Ahman Green (1997), and Calvin Jones (1993).
Named after the legendary Doak Walker, the award has recognized the nation’s top running back since its inception in 1990. Johnson and the Nebraska Cornhuskers will be facing off against Penn State this Saturday, with kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m. (Central). Fans can catch the action on NBC and the Huskers Radio Network.
