Nebraska football finds itself at a crossroads, and it’s not just about wins and losses—it’s about money. The harsh reality is that financial constraints are still holding the Huskers back from securing top transfer running backs, and this issue isn’t going away anytime soon. Despite the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era allowing college athletes to monetize their brand, and the upcoming revenue-sharing model set to kick in by 2025-26, Nebraska’s coffers remain stretched thin. And this isn’t speculation—it’s straight from the mouth of head coach Matt Rhule himself.
For those who might have missed the memo, the NIL era has transformed college sports. Athletes can now strike deals with collectives, marketing firms, and local businesses, sometimes blurring the line between compensation and pay-for-play. Starting in 2025-26, schools will also be able to pay athletes directly, with a staggering $20.5 million allocated this year and rising annually. Nebraska isn’t completely out of the game—they’ve had some resources through 1890 Nebraska, the university’s official NIL arm. But as the saying goes, some isn’t enough, especially when it comes to bolstering the running back position.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Nebraska’s pursuit of top running back talent has been a series of near-misses and tough decisions. After the 2024 season, Dante Dowdell left for Kentucky (now signed with Georgia), and Emmett Johnson was rumored to follow suit. Johnson ultimately stayed, but the Huskers’ inability to add depth during the transfer portal windows has left fans and analysts scratching their heads. Rhule has been vocal about wanting another running back to pair with Johnson, but the funds just haven’t been there.
Take Omaha native CharMar Brown, now a Miami Hurricane. Nebraska was in the running, but Rhule admitted, ‘Some people paid more money than I had. That’s the reality of it.’ Brown is now playing for a national title, while Nebraska’s running back room remains thin. The numbers don’t lie: Nebraska’s top four returning running backs—Kwinten Ives, Mekhi Nelson, Isaiah Mozee, and Conor Booth—have a combined 50 career games, with 36 of those coming this season. Their rushing stats? A modest 83 carries for 410 yards and five touchdowns. Compare that to Johnson’s pre-2025 numbers (207 carries for 1,009 yards and three touchdowns), and the gap is glaring.
And this is the part most people miss: Johnson wasn’t just a standout rusher; he was a receiving threat too, landing him in the top-10 for all-purpose yards in Nebraska history. Yet, his success only highlights the lack of depth behind him. In 2025, the backup running backs posted the worst rushing production in Nebraska’s top eight all-purpose seasons by running backs. It’s a stark reminder of the program’s struggles to keep pace with deeper-pocketed competitors.
Rhule has made it clear: he believes in the talent and potential of the current running back room, including high school signee Jamal Rule. But the reality is, we haven’t seen enough of that potential on the field. With resources stretched thin, Rhule has had to prioritize other positions, adding 16 transfer portal players, including quarterback Anthony Colandrea and offensive linemen to protect the backfield. Yet, the running back position remains a question mark.
Here’s the bold truth: Nebraska’s decision to forgo adding a running back for the fourth straight transfer window could be seen as a strategic move to maximize limited resources. Or, it could be interpreted as a risky gamble by a staff under pressure to deliver results. Rhule himself has called for increased investment, stating, ‘In a world of $30 and $40 million rosters, I’d like us to do the same thing.’ But with financial constraints still looming, the question remains: Can Nebraska compete without opening the checkbook wider?
As we head into spring practices, the running back room will be under the microscope. While Rhule’s optimism is commendable, the need for a proven running back is undeniable. Is Nebraska’s current approach a recipe for success, or a missed opportunity? What do you think? Is Nebraska’s financial strategy holding them back, or is there a method to the madness? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments below. The debate is far from over.
