Ground Game Gladiators: Who Will Tote the Rock?
Nebraska’s spring ball begins in eight days, and the running back room faces a massive shakeup after All-American Emmett Johnson’s departure to the NFL. Mekhi Nelson, who shined with 88 yards and a touchdown in his first start, looks poised to lead a committee approach, likely averaging over 10 carries per game. Isaiah Mozee, a versatile freshman with 270 all-purpose yards, and the 6’3” power back Kwinten Ives, recovering from injury, battle for early-down and short-yardage roles. True freshman Jamal Rule, an early enrollee with three-star recruiting credentials, could factor in immediately or redshirt. The projected 2026 depth chart lists Nelson or Mozee at RB1, followed by the other, then Ives and Rule. Departures also include Kenneth Williams and Jamarion Parker via transfer. With 5.6 yards per carry as a unit in 2025, Nebraska hopes improved offensive line play and spring reps will restore the magic of Johnson’s 5.8-yard average and produce a reliable ground attack next fall.
Nebraska fans, rejoice: it’s spring practice, which is just code for “let’s pretend we know who’ll be our feature back while secretly Googling ‘How to break in a new running back on Google Maps.’” Emmett Johnson’s exit has left a void so vast, you could park a Cornhusker Classic Car there—if the stadium had any parking spots left. Mekhi Nelson, the sophomore who turned 12 carries into 88 yards like it’s a side hustle, now faces the Herculean task of not tripping over his own shoelaces. Meanwhile, Isaiah Mozee is primed to moonlight as a wide receiver again, because versatility is just college football’s version of “Do you speak eight programming languages?” And don’t sleep on Kwinten Ives—he’s the human wrecking ball who may or may not actually wreck anything. True freshman Jamal Rule lurks like a secret menu item, available only if the coach remembers to order him. Tune in to spring ball: it’s like Vegas odds, except the house always wins and you still don’t know who’s carrying the ball.
Overtime Drama & How to Tune In to Huskers vs. Wildcats
Nebraska’s No. 7 men’s basketball team nearly completed a 22-point comeback against Purdue in overtime but fell 80-77 after Jamarques Lawrence slipped on a wet spot, allowing Purdue’s Gicarri Harris to seal the win with two free throws. The Huskers were out-rebounded 54-37, including a dominant 21-6 offensive edge for Purdue. Rienk Mast led Nebraska with 18 points, Lawrence had 16, and Pryce Sandfort 15. As the Huskers enter a favorable seven-game finish to the season, they face Northwestern Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Northwestern (10-15) struggles with a four-game losing streak but boasts Big Ten scoring leader Nick Martinelli (22.7 PPG) alongside transfers Arrinten Page and Jayden Reid. Nebraska, currently 21-3, can watch on Big Ten Network or listen via the Huskers Radio Network.
Buckle up, basketball junkies: Nebraska’s slippiest moment since that time everyone forgot the team wore white at home left fans sloshing with tears and popcorn. In what could’ve been the comeback of the century, Jamarques Lawrence delivered the inbound pass with all the grace of a gazelle—until he turned into Bambi on ice courtesy of a rogue puddle. Cue the slow clap from Purdue’s bench as Gicarri Harris waltzed to the line for the game-winner like he was picking apples in a Sunday orchard. Now, the Huskers gear up to face Northwestern, whose best weapon might be hopes—wait, they’re out of those too. Tune in on Big Ten Network to watch Nebraska attempt to redeem themselves, or stream the broadcast as you silently pray that no more unexpected swimming lessons happen on the hardwood.
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