Money, or rather the lack of it, continues to be a thorn in Nebraska's side, hindering their ability to bolster their running back position through transfers. This issue, which has persisted since the advent of the NIL era, has now carried over into the revenue-sharing era, as confirmed by the head coach himself.
For those who might be unfamiliar, the NIL era refers to the period when college athletes were granted the right to monetize their name, image, and likeness. This opened up opportunities for deals with collectives, marketing companies, and local businesses, sometimes blurring the line between NIL and pay-for-play. As of the 2025-26 academic year, schools were also permitted to directly compensate athletes, with the amount allocated for this purpose rising annually, currently standing at $20.5 million.
Nebraska, while possessing some financial resources through its official NIL arm, 1890 Nebraska, has struggled to keep up with the competition in the transfer market. This is evident in their pursuit of running backs over the past several transfer portal windows, often coming up short.
Following the 2024 season, Dante Dowdell departed for Kentucky and later signed with Georgia. Emmett Johnson, another key running back, was also expected to enter the portal but was eventually persuaded to stay, providing the Huskers with a valuable asset.
Despite Matt Rhule's desire to add another running back to complement Johnson, Nebraska failed to do so during the first transfer window. Questions about the position persisted through spring practices, with Rhule expressing his desire for additional depth at the position.
During the second window, Nebraska was linked to CharMar Brown, an Omaha native who is now playing for Miami. Rhule acknowledged that he lacked the financial resources to secure Brown's services, stating, "Some people paid more money than I had. That's the reality of it."
Brown's success with Miami, as they prepare for a national title game, serves as a stark reminder of Nebraska's financial limitations. Meanwhile, Nebraska's top returning running backs have combined for a modest 83 carries, 410 yards, and five touchdowns, with the majority of their production coming in a single game against Utah.
The absence of a reliable backup running back is further highlighted when comparing Nebraska's 2025 season to some of their all-time great seasons. In terms of rushing production from the backup, 2025 ranks as the worst among the top eight all-purpose seasons by running backs.
Rhule, despite expressing satisfaction with the talent and potential in the running back room, acknowledges that financial constraints have limited his ability to make the necessary additions. He notes that he had to allocate resources elsewhere, prioritizing other positions to address the team's needs.
Nebraska has added 16 players through the transfer portal, including a mobile quarterback, Anthony Colandrea, from UNLV. The addition of Colandrea and TJ Lateef provides some relief to the running back position, while the trio of offensive linemen acquired through the portal will help protect the quarterback and create better running lanes.
However, Rhule finds himself in a familiar position, lacking the financial resources to address the running back position adequately. This has cost him the opportunity to bring in a running back who could have provided more balance and depth, potentially impacting the team's performance in 2026.
Rhule's comments reflect a sense of frustration, acknowledging that he had to make difficult decisions due to financial limitations. While the reality of limited resources is valid, so is the need for a proven running back to bolster the team's chances of success.
The decision to refrain from adding a running back during the fourth consecutive transfer portal window can be seen as either a strategic move to maximize the team's resources or a sign of irresponsibility from the coaching staff, who are under pressure to deliver a successful season to justify the resources invested in them.
As Nebraska navigates these financial challenges, the question remains: Will they be able to find the balance between financial prudence and the need for proven talent to compete at the highest level?
