The Nebraska backfield is stepping into the spotlight - and not just because Emmett Johnson has been the headliner all season. With the Las Vegas Bowl looming on Dec. 31 against Utah, the Huskers are finally peeling back the curtain on what else they’ve got in that running back room.
Let’s be clear: Johnson earned his role as the feature back. He carried the load, and for much of the year, there wasn’t much reason to look beyond him.
But bowl season is a different animal. It’s not just a reward - it’s a proving ground.
And for a group of young, hungry backs, it’s a chance to show they’re more than depth chart names.
Enter Isaiah Mozee and Mekhi Nelson, two players who’ve been turning heads in bowl practices. They’re not just filling reps; they’re setting a tone. According to Mozee, the entire group has taken the post-Iowa loss personally - and they’ve used it as fuel.
“We seem to embrace, like, ‘Hey, we need to get better,’” Mozee said. “The loss to Iowa hurt pretty bad so we use it kind of as motivation.”
That loss, a gut-punch to end the regular season, has clearly left a mark. But instead of sulking, Nebraska’s been grinding. Mozee pointed to the defensive line’s performance in practice as a measuring stick - and a motivator.
“All the stuff we need to get better on and the weaknesses we have… the D-line has been doing really good so far,” he added. “These practices have been great for us as a team.”
That’s the kind of internal competition you want to hear about. When one unit steps up, the rest of the roster tends to follow. And for a Nebraska team still shaping its identity under Matt Rhule, this bowl prep isn’t just about Utah - it’s about setting the tone for 2026.
So while Johnson remains the known quantity, the Las Vegas Bowl could offer a sneak peek at the next wave of talent in Lincoln. Mozee and Nelson may not be household names yet, but they’re getting their shot - and they’re treating it like more than just a cameo.
This is their audition. And from the sound of things, they’re ready to make it count.