Nebraska, Oregon RBs Named to Doak Walker Award Watch List

Nebraska junior running back Emmett Johnson was named to the 2025 Doak Walker Award watch list, an honor given annually to the nation’s most outstanding college running back. Johnson led the Huskers in 2024 with 908 all-purpose yards, including 39 receptions—the most by a Nebraska running back since 2007—and showed strong performances after Dana Holgorsen became offensive coordinator, averaging 78.5 rushing yards and 5.8 receptions per game in the season's final four contests. His breakout games included a career-high 113 rushing yards against Wisconsin and six catches for 85 yards in the bowl victory over the Badgers. Meanwhile, Oregon also had two running backs, Noah Whittington and Makhi Hughes, named to the watch list, continuing the program's tradition of elite running back talent. The Doak Walker Award semifinalists will be announced in November, with the winner revealed live in December during The Home Depot College Football Awards show.