Nebraska
HuskerOnline’s Christmas Wishlist for Nebraska Athletics
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, Nebraska and Husker sports fans!
The HuskerOnline team has put together a Christmas Wishlist for Nebraska Athletics for this upcoming year. This list includes hopes for Husker football, basketball, volleyball, and recruiting. In between opening gifts and spending time with your family, dive into our wishes.
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Some wishes might require more magic than others, but Christmas time is the best day to dream.
Now, onto the wishes.
Sean Callahan’s Christmas Wishlist
Portal QB help that fits Nebraska’s needs: It’s clear what Nebraska will be looking for in the transfer portal. The Huskers want a dual-threat veteran quarterback that can help bridge the gap, potentially between TJ Lateef and Trae Taylor.
Finding the right guy ranks right up there at the top of my list.
A win vs. a ranked opponent: Nebraska has not beaten a ranked team since 2016, when it took down Oregon.
I would love to see the Huskers figure out a way to get that done in 2026. Heck, even on Dec. 31 in Las Vegas would do.
Offensive line growth: After four years of Donovan Raiola, Nebraska will turn the page on its offensive line to the Geep Wade/Lonnie Teasely era.
My wish list includes improved offensive line recruiting and development. There’s no way NU will take a step forward as a program without improvement in this area.
Clear answers to the future of college football: This is a big “if,” but my wish is to come up with clear answers to the rules of NIL and rev-share. As we sit here today, we still don’t know.
Also, hopefully, we get a modified College Football Playoff system and a season start date that might shift the calendar up by at least one week.
A March full of happiness: Finally, Fred Hoiberg has set the table so far with what will most likely be a 13-0 start heading into January.
Now, take care of business in conference play to put yourself in a position to be seeded high enough that getting the school’s first NCAA tournament win won’t be decided in an 8 vs. 9 or 7 vs. 10-type game.
Steven Sipple’s Christmas Wishlist
Joyful Novembers ahead for NU football: November is an inherently tough month in college football. The season begins to feel long for many people involved in it. In many places, the weather turns cold and nasty.
November can tell you a lot about a player. Does he fully embrace the challenges associated with big-time football? You tend to find out in this month.
November can tell you a lot about a program. The best programs often improve as the season progresses and begin playing their best this time of year.
Matt Rhule is 2-10 in November as Nebraska’s head man. Here’s hoping all of his changes in the program begin to reap more rewards in the hardest month on the schedule.
Some form of relief for Nebraska on its 2026 schedule: It’s hard not to think about how daunting Nebraska’s 2026 Big Ten football schedule appears.
One can always hope that a few of those teams experience a drop-off.
Heavens that could help Rhule in his plight to build Nebraska’s program.
Granted, it’s not a strong or confident way of thinking – it’s just realistic.
To be sure, Rhule will enter his fourth year as the Huskers’ head coach preparing to face a schedule that is sort of ridiculous. How treacherous is it? Well, it would be hard for an NU fan to look at any of the nine games and say, “Oh, that’s a surefire win.”
My advice: Embrace the pain while hoping for the best.
More All-American-caliber players for Rhule: We all saw how much impact an All-American-level player can have on a program.
Thank you, Emmett Johnson, for all you did for Nebraska’s program in 2025.
Now, Husker fans, imagine what it’d be like to have two or three or more players of All-American caliber – or at least first-team All-Big Ten caliber – on the same team. That’s what it takes to win big in the Big Ten.
Without that sort of firepower, you’re just an eternal underdog. An also ran, as it were.
Merry Christmas to all.
Robin Washut’s Christmas Wishlist
Yeah, you guessed it: A Nebraska NCAA Tournament win: Just like every year, my No. 1 wish for Nebraska Athletics this Christmas is for the men’s basketball program to finally get that elusive first NCAA Tournament win. The thing is, I actually truly believe it will happen in 2026.
The Huskers have all the makings of a team that can win in March. This is the year it happens. Speak it into existence, from our lips to Santa’s ears.
A renewed NIL commitment to Husker men’s basketball: Fred Hoiberg’s squad has become the talk of the college basketball world through the first half of his seventh season. Nebraska’s 12-0 start has been nothing short of miraculous, especially considering how Hoiberg and his staff had to construct this roster.
NU’s revenue share payout is supposedly between $3-3.5 million. That puts them roughly in the middle of the pack of the Big Ten. However, its NIL budget still ranks toward the bottom of the league. This team deserves more support through external NIL opportunities, especially if fans want these good times to keep rolling.
An elite PBA for Michigan State: The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s spring semester doesn’t begin until Jan. 12. That means many students won’t be back in town yet for the Huskers’ massive Friday night showdown vs. Michigan State on Jan. 2. In a game that could be yet another signature piece to NU’s NCAA Tournament resume, Pinnacle Bank Arena needs to be rocking – students or not.
You couldn’t help but be impressed with the fan turnout for Sunday night’s win over North Dakota. PBA is already sold out for the Spartans, so it should be another packed house. This will be the first time Nebraska has hosted a top-15 matchup since No. 15 NU faced No. 10 Kansas back on March 3, 1991. Husker fans need to bring the juice and make The Vault as electric as possible.
Abby Barmore’s Christmas Wishlist
Nebraska volleyball to finally get it done: Husker volleyball had its third straight season end in heartbreak. The legendary program hasn’t won a national title since 2017. After a record-breaking first season, Dani Busboom Kelly will continue to feel great pressure for national title No. 6. My wish for the Huskers is that they finally get it done in 2026.
A smooth and successful renovation and reseat: Nebraska volleyball is going through its first-ever reseat. The John Cook Arena will undergo construction in April to increase its capacity to 10,000 and implement several other significant changes. I hope the reseating and renovation go smoothly.
More Husker volleyball in PBA: I would love to see Nebraska volleyball play a match or two in Pinnacle Bank Arena in 2026. The 2025 AVCA First Serve showed that PBA is a great volleyball venue. Husker fans will sell out any arena, in Lincoln or otherwise.
For Natalie Potts to return soon and strong: Nebraska women’s basketball forward Natalie Potts is nearing the end of her ACL rehab. The redshirt sophomore has been practicing with the Huskers, but there is no timeline for her return. She had a great freshman season, winning Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors, and is projected to come back strong.
A Nebraska softball trip to WCWS: Husker softball was one win away from the 2025 Women’s College World Series. They have one more season with the outstanding Jordy Bahl, who proved herself as a threat all over the field last season. Head coach Rhonda Revelle has put together a great group. Can they make a run to Oklahoma City in May?
Bryan Munson’s Christmas Wishlist
Nebraska finds what it’s looking for in the portal: It starts with a quarterback, but it doesn’t end there. Nebraska could take two quarterbacks, a running back, a tackle, a guard, a wide receiver, an interior defensive lineman, a linebacker, and a safety. The Huskers have a lot to shop for this offseason.
A top-10 recruiting class: This is a tall order, but Nebraska is doing a great job right now. There are several other top recruits the Huskers are well-positioned to land, including Ahmad Hudson, Xavier Bala, Cooper Terwilliger, and others. Husker Nation would love to see a top-rated class after 2026.
Rhule gets a top-25 win: Yes, it’s coming. Nebraska needs to step out of some of these long, dark shadows and into the light. The Huskers need to shed some of the negative streaks. Speaking of…
Hoiberg gets a tournament win: I am doubling down here. Hoiberg is coaching a really fun team to watch. They are talented and selfless. It would be great to see Nebraska secure its first tournament win.
Is it too early to think about baseball?: One thing I look forward to is going to Globe Life Stadium in Arlington, Texas, when Nebraska is playing baseball. The Amegy Bank College Baseball Series begins February 20 and will feature Florida State, Kansas State, Louisville, and the Huskers. Nebraska opens the next weekend away at Auburn.
I am hopeful Nebraska can find consistency throughout the season, identify the right starters for a three-day series, win another conference tournament, and return to the CWS.
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The New Orleans Saints made a big splash in free agency when they signed Travis Etienne Jr. to pair with Alvin Kamara in the backfield. Etienne’s addition probably means that the Saints won’t select a back with an early choice in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, don’t be surprised if the team adds another back with a later pick. If that’s the case, Emmett Johnson of the Nebraska Cornhuskers could be someone on their radar.
Etienne will likely be the featured back, but Kamara’s future beyond 2026 is in some doubt. Kamara turns 31 in July and is entering his 10th season with a big contract after already showing some possible decline. Behind them, Kendre Miller has proven he shouldn’t be relied on and 2025 sixth round choice Devin Neal has flashed potential but remains unproven. The Saints may be wise to add more talent to their backfield with a middle or later round pick.
Emmett Johnson bio
- Position: Running back
- College: Nebraska Cornhuskers
- Height: 5-feet, 10 inches
- Weight: 202 pounds
- 40-yard dash: 4.56 seconds
- 10-yard split: 1.59 seconds
- 3-cone drill: 7.32 seconds
- 20-yard shuttle: 4.29 seconds
- Vertical jump: 35.5″
- Broad jump: 10′
Recipient of the 2021 Minnesota Mr. Football award at Academy of Holy Angels High School, Johnson began with the Nebraska Cornhuskers as a three-star recruit. He’d take a redshirt in 2022 then rushed for 411 yards with 2 scores in 2023 as part of a backfield committee. In 2024, Johnson picked up 598 yards on the ground and caught 39 passes for 286 yards with 3 total scores.
By 2025, Johnson was the Cornhuskers featured weapon and exploded onto the national radar. Johnson’s 1,451 rushing yards and 251 carries both led the Big Ten and were among the NCAA leaders. He also caught a team-high 46 passes and scored 15 touchdowns, as his 1,821 yards from scrimmage were second across the NCAA. Those eye-popping numbers earned him 1st Team All-American honors as well as the 2025 Big Ten Running Back of the Year.
Strengths
- Hits rushing lanes with authority
- Makes sharp cuts at top speed
- Decisive north-south runner
- Good acceleration into the second level
- Legitimate receiving threat
Weaknesses
- Doesn’t have breakaway speed
- Has trouble creating yards when the hole isn’t there
- Must maintain balance better through contact
- Doesn’t break many tackles
- Only one year of high-level production
Emmett Johnson 2026 draft outlook
Johnson’s 2025 tape and production are worthy of a high pick, but teams looking for a featured back might be wary of his lack of power. Still, Johnson has a strong chance of being picked somewhere on the second day and shouldn’t last later than the fourth round. His decisive one-cut and go style and receiving ability gives him a strong chance to be an instant contributor with an incredibly high upside of a potential starter.
New Orleans has had success with late-round picks and undrafted players at running back. Emmett Johnson won’t last that long. But, if Johnson slips into Day 3, the Saints could be tempted to add him and bolster their backfield in multiple ways.
Carson Jasa pitched a strong game, earning his second complete-game of the season. Nebraska’s offense started fast and kept rolling, leading to a 12-2 run-rule win over No. 12 USC in seven innings on Saturday at Hawks Field. This marked head coach Will Bolt’s 200th career win at Nebraska.
A season-high crowd of 7,602 fans filled the ballpark, making for one of the most exciting games of the year. This attendance is the 25th largest in Hawks Field history and the second biggest since Nebraska joined the Big Ten, just behind the 7,650 fans at a 2021 doubleheader against Michigan. The fans saw Nebraska play a complete game, improving to 30-9 overall and 14-3 in the conference. USC fell to 30-10 and 13-7 in Big Ten play.
Nebraska’s offense scored 12 runs on 12 hits and made only one error. USC scored just two runs on five hits and had two defensive mistakes. Drew Grego led the way, going 3-for-4 and missing the cycle by only a triple. He hit a home run, a double, and drove in four runs. Dylan Carey also went 3-for-4 with a home run and scored three times. Case Sanderson went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs, and Jett Buck added a double and scored three runs. Mac Moyer, Joshua Overbeek, and Trey Fikes each had a hit.
Jasa took control on the mound right from the start. He pitched all seven innings, giving up just two runs, only one earned, on five hits. He struck out seven and walked only two, moving his record to 7-1 this season.
The Huskers started strong, taking an early lead in the first inning. Nebraska sent eight batters to the plate and scored four runs right away. Sanderson brought in the first run with a groundout that scored Moyer. Buck hit a double to bring home Carey, Grego added an RBI double to score Buck, and Overbeek finished the inning with a single that made it 4-0.
Nebraska added to its lead in the third inning with three solo home runs.. Sanderson and Carey hit back-to-back homers, and Grego followed by sending the first pitch he saw over the left field wall. That made it 7-0 and put the game out of reach.
The Huskers continued to add on in the fifth inning, capitalizing on aggressive baserunning. Carey and Buck each stole. The Huskers kept building their lead in the fifth inning by taking advantage of aggressive baserunning. Carey and Buck both stole bases to get into scoring position, and Grego singled to left field to drive them both in, making it 9-0.
USC rallied briefly in the top of the seventh, scoring two runs on three hits and a Nebraska error. A solo home run gave the Trojans their first run, and a mix of hits and a defensive mistake brought in another, making it 10-2. Stokes drew walks to put runners on base, and Trey Fikes delivered an RBI single to left field. A USC fielding error on the play allowed both Buck and Stokes to score, ending the game at 12-2 and clinching the series for the Huskers.
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On the 12th day of the 2026 transfer portal cycle, Nebrasketball picked up its fourth commitment.
Boden Kapke, a 6-foot-11 forward/center out of Boston College, has committed to the Huskers. He has one season of eligibility remaining.
Kapke announced his commitment on social media, captioning his post, “🔴⚪️GBR🌽”
Kapke began his college career at Butler. As a true freshman, he played in 22 games, averaging 7.0 minutes of action per contest. In limited run during his first season of collegiate action, he shot 48% from the field and made seven of his 17 attempts (41%) from three-point range.
As a sophomore, Kapke made 16 starts while appearing in 34 of the team’s 35 games. In just 13.4 minutes per game, he averaged 4.1 points and 2.8 rebounds. He shot 40% from the field and 27% (18-for-66) from deep.
Kapke transferred to Boston College for his junior season. In his lone year with the Eagles, his numbers jumped to 10.6 points and 5.7 rebounds over 26.7 minutes a game. He made 17 starts in 31 appearances on the year. He shot 47% from the field and 33% on three-pointers.
Out of Victoria, Minnesota, Kapke was a finalist for his state’s 2023 Mr. Basketball. As a senior, he averaged 23 points and 13 rebounds a game, helping Holy Family Catholic to a 29-3 record and the Class AA State Tournament semifinals.
Kapke finished his prep career with 1,796 career points and 1,062 rebounds.
Nebraska lost nearly all of its frontcourt production from a 28-7 campaign that ended in the Sweet 16. Starter Rienk Mast and backup Jared Garcia have both exhausted their eligibility, while starter Berke Büyüktuncel entered the transfer portal last week.
The Huskers do have a returning frontcourt player in Leo Curtis. The 7-foot-2 native of Iceland appeared in 17 games as a true freshman.
Nebraska also picked up a likely starting four man from Belmont in Sam Orme. The full-time starter as a redshirt sophomore this past season, Orme averaged 12.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 25.8 minutes per game.
Still up in the air is the status of Central Michigan transfer Ugnius Jaruševičius. The Lithuanian big man played in just one game in 2025-26 with Nebraska and is seeking a medical waiver for an additional year of eligibility. With his back issues and a waiver being needed from the NCAA, the coaching staff can’t be certain that he’ll be available next season.
As of this commitment, Kapke would slide into the starting five spot. Kapke is nearly identical to Mast in terms of size, bringing one more inch of height and five more pounds of weight. His offensive play style, however, would be more similar to what Husker fans saw from Büyüktuncel.
A final decision is still to be announced from Boise State forward/center Drew Fielder. The former Georgetown big averaged 14.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists this past season with the Broncos, shooting 40.9.% on three-pointers and 60.6% inside the arc. Fielder has visited Nebraska and Washington and is visiting Alabama this weekend.
On Friday, Nebraska picked up a starting ball handler in Utah Valley’s Trevan Leonhardt. This past season, he started all 35 games, averaging 11.8 points, 6.0 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per contest. He earned first-team All-WAC and All-Defensive team honors.
Nebraska’s starting lineup right now projects to be Leonhardt, Sandfort, Frager, Orme, and Kapke. That gives the Huskers a starting lineup height of 6-foot-5, 6-foot-7, 6-foot-7, 6-foot-9, and 6-foot-11. As for three-point shooting, that group had averages in 2025-26 of 37%, 41.6%, 35.2%, 40.4%, and 33%.
Multiple pieces from last year have confirmed they will be returning.
First-team All-Big Ten selection Pryce Sandfort will be back for his senior season. Coach Fred Hoiberg confirmed earlier this month that the first-team All-Big Ten selection had been battling a sports hernia injury. Sandfort underwent surgery after the season ended and will be rehabbing for several weeks, diminishing the potential of him leaving early for the NBA draft.
Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year Braden Frager re-signed with Nebraska. He will slide into one of the starting spots vacated by Sam Hoiberg and Jamarques Lawrence. In his redshirt freshman season, Frager hit the 20-point scoring mark six times on his way to averaging 11.8 points a game off the bench.
Curtis and main rotation piece Cale Jacobsen have also had their returns confirmed. In 2025-26, Jacobsen played in all 35 contests, averaging 4.6 points on 52 percent shooting, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game with a 2.1-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio.
Along with Jaruševičius, sharpshooter Connor Essegian is also seeking a medical waiver for an additional year of eligibility. However, he did get an official return post on social media. In the seven games he was on the floor this season, he averaged 5.4 points per game, making eight three-pointers.
Other players on the roster to be confirmed returning are Henry Burt and Will Cooper.
The Huskers are also adding a pair of high school signees. Colin Rice and Jacob Lanier are both four-star forward prospects and could see the floor earlier in their collegiate careers.
Besides 61-game starter Büyüktuncel, Nebraska has also seen Quentin Rhymes and Justin Bolis leave via the transfer portal.
Nebraska now has two open spots remaining on the roster. The portal remains open through April 21.
Have a question or comment for Kaleb? Send an email to kalebhenry.huskermax@gmail.com.
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