The NFL Combine list is out, and two Huskers are officially heading to Indianapolis: running back Emmett Johnson and defensive back DeShon Singleton. For both players, it’s a massive opportunity - a chance to showcase their skills in front of every NFL team, all in one place.
But the headline here isn't just who made it. It’s also who didn’t.
Only two Nebraska players earned invites this year. That’s down from four last year, and on the surface, it might raise some eyebrows. But when you look a little closer, it reflects where this Cornhuskers program is in its development - still young, still building, and not quite stacked with upperclassmen ready to make the leap just yet.
Let’s start with Johnson. His inclusion was expected - and deserved.
The junior back put together a standout season, earning recognition as one of the Big Ten’s best at his position. He’s got the blend of vision, burst, and toughness that scouts love, and his ability to create yardage after contact will be under the microscope in Indy.
Some evaluators see him as a potential Day 1 selection, and while that’s still up for debate, there’s little doubt he’s positioned himself to be off the board well before the later rounds.
Singleton’s invite, meanwhile, comes with a bit more surprise - but it’s a welcome one. He may not have had the same national spotlight as Johnson, but he was a steady force in Nebraska’s secondary throughout his career.
His 2026 campaign was arguably his best, showing off his range, physicality, and leadership on the back end. The Combine gives him a platform to prove he belongs in the draft conversation, and at the very least, it boosts his chances of hearing his name called instead of entering the league as an undrafted free agent.
For Nebraska, the limited number of invites isn’t necessarily a red flag. This past season’s roster skewed young, with a lot of underclassmen still developing.
That’s part of the rebuild process. Not every year is going to produce a deep draft class.
What matters now is how Johnson and Singleton take advantage of the spotlight in Indianapolis.
The Combine runs from February 23 through March 2, and for these two Huskers, it’s more than just a job interview - it’s a chance to represent their program and prove they can compete at the next level. Nebraska fans will be watching closely, and so will NFL decision-makers.