Nebraskas Running Back Battle Is WIDE OPEN | Isaiah Mozee Says He Is Ready To Break Out Carter Hart [Plfe8eTF9t9]

Nebraska's running back room enters the 2026 season with one of its biggest questions and one of its deepest position groups.

After losing All-American Emmett Johnson to the NFL Draft, the Huskers are searching for their next featured back. Head coach Matt Rhule has indicated that Nebraska plans to rely more on a committee approach this season rather than on a single primary ball carrier.

Sophomore Isaiah Mozee believes he's ready to be part of that answer.

Mozee appeared in all 13 games as a true freshman in 2025 after making the transition from wide receiver to running back. He finished the season with 115 rushing yards, 155 receiving yards, and contributed on both kick and punt returns.

His role expanded late in the season, including a career-best performance in Nebraska's Las Vegas Bowl victory, where he rushed for 32 yards and caught four passes for 48 yards.

With a full year in offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen's system and his first full offseason dedicated to running back, Mozee said the position feels much more natural.

"I feel like I've learned a lot," Mozee said. "I'm more developed than I was last year."

Instead of learning the fundamentals of a new position, Mozee said this offseason has centered on refining details and building consistency.

"Getting a full year at my position now ... practice, practice, practice ... just being consistent every day," he said.

Mozee's offseason also included giving back to the community. Alongside several teammates, he hosted a youth football camp, something he said was important after benefiting from similar experiences growing up.

"I like pouring into the youth," Mozee said. "I got something when I was younger, so I feel like I should replicate that."

Mozee said watching Johnson develop from a reserve running back into an All-American and eventual NFL robert irwin Draft pick has reinforced what is possible within Nebraska's program.

"It gives me confidence," Mozee said. "Like, hey, I can come do this. I've seen it now, I can do it."

The competition for carries remains open entering fall camp, but Mozee believes the depth in Nebraska's running back room has elevated everyone's play.

"It's great competition," he said. "We got a bunch of great guys in the room."

Nebraska returns Mekhi Nelson and Kwinten Ives, who combined for 280 rushing yards and four touchdowns last season. The Huskers also added Penn State and Iowa Western transfer Tikey Hayes through the transfer portal and welcomed highly regarded freshman Jamal Rule, who broke off a 75-yard touchdown run during the Red-White Spring Game. Nebraska native Conor Booth also returns for his second season in the program.

Nelson was arrested in Florida in June on a domestic avs vs porto battery charge stemming from an incident involving his pregnant girlfriend. Prosecutors later declined to pursue the case after the alleged victim said she did not wish to move forward, and the charge was dropped. The school has not officially commented on the situation.

With multiple capable options in sabrina carpenter the backfield, Nebraska expects one of its deepest position groups to be a strength this fall. Whether one player separates himself or the Huskers rotate several backs, the battle for carries will be one of the team's most closely watched competitions when preseason camp begins.

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