Let’s just keep it real; a 6-6 season didn’t look good, but it wasn’t all doom and gloom, either. The Cornhuskers have been bowl-eligible for the first time since 2016, and something to be counted for, right? Meanwhile, can you recall Nebraska’s 40-7 season opener against UTEP? Matt Rhule’s boy Emmet Johnson was the guy who torched the Miner defense with 71 rushing yards on just eight carries, including a jaw-dropping 42-yard sprint. Unfortunately, Rhule and his boys will be standing in hot waters as Johnson bids farewell to them and enters the transfer portal.

On Thursday, the running posted on X, “Go Big Red always! First and foremost, I want to thank my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ! I am deeply grateful to my coaches and teammates for making this experience one I will always cherish… These past couple of years have been an unforgettable ride. After much prayer and thoughtful consideration, I have decided that it is in my best interest to enter the transfer portal with two years of eligibility remaining.” He signed off with “Romans 8:31,” the verse that’s a declaration of confidence in God.

But now that he’s bidding adieu to the Cornhuskers – having registered 523 yards on 102 carries, averaging 5.1 yards per carry, and scoring 1 touchdown – enter the question: Who’s going to fill the vacant spot left by Johnson? On the latest episode of Wilson Dittman Sports, the Nebraska insider broke down Nebraska football and Matt Rhule’s strategy to lure Ahmad Hardy’s commitment as Emmett Johnson leaves to enter the portal.

“Nebraska has some interest there. It was reported that Nebraska’s Director of Player Personnel (Keith Williams) has already followed [Ahmad Hardy] on social media, and there’s already some interest. Of course, the portal doesn’t open up till Monday, but this is a name that I would absolutely watch out for,” Dittman said. This came after Hardy followed Nebraska’s Director of Football Relations, Troy Vincent. But why is the youngster’s name being touted?

First and foremost, Hardy is the number one running back in the portal. Considering Rhule would look for an effective weapon that can go beyond 2025 with Dylan Raiola, eligibility also comes into the picture. What’s the scene with Hardy? He has three years of eligibility remaining. In just his freshman year, Hardy accumulated 1,351 rushing yards on 237 carries, averaging 5.7 yards per carry, and scored 13 touchdowns. Considering all this, Wilson Dittman didn’t stop there. If signing the running back were up him, Ahmad would already be there.

“You gotta try to get this guy to visit, throw money at him, and see what happens. Watching this guy on film, oh my goodness, is he athletic. He’s dynamic. He can get touchdowns. He can take any single run to the house. He’s fast; he’s quick. He checks every single box. Nebraska is really trying to get him early on in this process, and the portal doesn’t open up so he can’t technically have contact with them just yet.”

Earlier, there was a buzz about his possible transfer to teams like the Memphis Tigers, who will shortly need a new running back as their star RB, Mario Anderson, is a senior. Then there was the Mississippi State Bulldogs, a team that’s coming out of a 2-10 season and needs a new offensive player to strengthen their future seasons.

Followed by the South Carolina Gamecocks, a team that’s always been great at finding great players from the portal, and they’re already eyeing Hardy. Lastly, there are TCU horned frogs and Ole Miss Rebels among the teams who are in the rat race to lure the RB’s commitment. Moving forward, the Nebraska insiders pointed out what Matt Rhule can get if Hardy lands his commitment to the Huskers.

If Matt Rhule and Nebraska football land Ahmad Hardy’s commitment

The Husker analyst went on to praise the star Louisiana Monroe Warhawks running back Ahmad Hardy, who entered the transfer portal after a strong freshman season. If you’re unaware, Hardy only had one offer after high school, and look at him now; top programs are knocking at his door.

“Number one, running back in the portal, Ahmad Hardy. This guy is an absolute stud. So he’s transferring from UL Monroe, one of the best running backs in the country this year, a true freshman. But look at his stats: in about 250 carries, he ran for over 1300 yards and 13 touchdowns, averaging six yards a carry. He’s also great at catching the football. He’s listed at five foot 10, really fast, really shifty, very smart running back.”

Hardy was the brightest star in first-year head coach Bryant Vincent’s galaxy, who had the clear path to sign the 5’11, 205-pound running back. Hardy completed his first season with great numbers, like 1372 yards and 13 touchdowns. Not only that, the running back entered the portal the very next day after he was awarded the Sunbelt Freshman of the Year and earned a spot in the First All-Sunbelt Team. It is an ongoing story and we’ll keep you updated on his recruiting progress, especially if he commits to Nebraska or not.