Nebraska looking to be 'player led' in 2025

LINCOLN, Neb. - As Husker Football gets ready to embark on year three of the Matt Rhule era in Lincoln, the Big Red are looking to establish a culture of player leadership throughout fall camp. 

Head Coach Matt Rhule said Monday it's crucial the Huskers establish a culture of effort throughout camp, but also that players begin coaching players. 

"When they're willing to have hard conversations with each other, when they're willing to hold each other accountable, that's player leadership," Rhule said. "Players don't listen to coaches - they listen to each other. They hear me for 20 minutes a day, they hear you guys (media) on social media, they hear the fans on social media, and they hear each other."

The Nebraska running game will likely belong to junior Emmett Johnson. In 2024, Johnson averaged just over five yards per attempt, with two touchdowns. Now an upperclassmen, Johnson finds himself in the category of being a leader for the Huskers, and he says he's ready for the responsibility. 

 

"It's come natural for me," Johnson said. "The offseason stuff, being able to lead the group through team bonding and things like that.. That's helped me grow and now I can talk to guys in certain ways and push them to be the best version of themselves."

The Huskers kick off the season on Aug. 28 at 8:30 p.m. at GEHA Field at Arrowhead in Kansas City, taking on Cincinnati.