LINCOLN, Neb. - Be it to move the ball, drain the clock, or open up the pass game for Dylan Raiola, the Huskers have made it clear in fall camp that running the football will be crucial in 2025. 

With an experienced offensive line and a proven running back in Emmett Johnson ready to carry the load, running backs coach EJ Barthel believes the group can take big strides. 

Many have remarked about Emmett Johnson's size in the offseason and they aren't mistaken - Barthel says he's gotten bigger. 

"We really focused putting the hammer on him (Johnson) to get his weight right," Barthel said. "He's carrying 205 consistently... He can tell the difference, we can tell the difference and now he's running behind his pads, everyone knows he can move laterally, but now he's starting to understand the difference between 193 and 205 and we're pretty pleased with that."

 But it's not just Emmett Johnson helping the Huskers. Redshirt freshman Mekhi Nelson has also impressed, but Barthel believes the most important element he's succeeding in, is taking mental notes to improve. 

"A young player may make a mistake and brush it off, but at this level we don't have time for that," Barthel said. "Him focusing on the things he needs to correct and then applying them to the next practice is the biggest jump he's made off the field."

In 2024, the Huskers run game ranked 96th nationally. 

The Huskers kick off the season on Aug. 28 at Arrowhead, taking on Kansas City.