Social media reacts to Emmett Johnson's performance in Nebraska's 28-21 win over UCLA
Nebraska (7-3, 4-3) traveled to Pasadena, California, to face UCLA (3-6, 3-3) in the Rose Bowl on Saturday night. The Huskers entered the game with a true freshman, TJ Lateef, making the start at quarterback following a season-ending injury for Dylan Raiola. Despite being without Raiola, the Huskers' offense put together a big outing, leading to a 28-21 victory and the first seven-win regular season since 2016.
Nebraska and UCLA traded blows throughout the night, with both teams finishing with around 350 total yards of offense. However, two key stops in the first half —a failed fourth-down conversion and a missed field goal —allowed the Huskers to jump out to a 21-7 lead. The Bruins did score two touchdowns in the second half but only got three total drives across the final two quarters, with one of them resulting in a punt.
Emmett Johnson put together arguably his biggest game of the season, finishing with 232 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns. Johnson earned 129 rushing yards on 28 carries and 103 receiving yards on just three catches, becoming the first back in school history to gain 100 yards in a game from both the ground and the air. Johnson's most significant plays came in the air, with him scoring on a 56-yard reception and a 40-yard pass.
He led Nebraska's receiving corps, helping the group combine for 205 yards on 13 catches, which included 135 yards after reception. Jacory Barney scored the other touchdown for Nebraska, snatching a two-yard pass on its opening drive. He finished with four catches for 19 yards. Dane Key racked up 46 yards on three catches, and Nyziah Hunter earned 37 yards on three catches.
Their play helped lighten the load for Lateef, who only threw 15 passes all game, but completed 13 of them for 205 yards and three touchdowns. Lateef also rushed for 31 yards on five carries.
Nico Iamaleava led the way for the Bruins, finishing 17-of-25 for 191 yards and two touchdowns. He also scrambled a lot on the night, rushing for 86 yards on 15 carries. UCLA tallied 157 yards on the ground off 37 carries and one touchdown.
Nebraska now gets to rest up with a bye week but will then travel to Penn State to take on the Nittany Lions. Kickoff time and viewing platform are to be announced.
Find social media reactions to Saturday night's victory below.
W
ROAD W OUT WEST. pic.twitter.com/j7JqJEUqqt— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFootball) November 9, 2025
Heisman Conversation
EMMETT JOHNSON NEEDS TO BE IN THE HEISMAN CONVERSATION 🌽 pic.twitter.com/k6Jy0cW0Ja— Will Compton (@_willcompton) November 9, 2025
The pose
The linemen hitting this pose with EJ is the best thing about this photo. https://t.co/kjxpzGESeC— Avarie Howard (@avariehoward31) November 9, 2025
TJ! TJ!
TJ! TJ! TJ!
TJ Lateef walks off the field to Husker fans shouting his name just a few miles from where he grew up. pic.twitter.com/qn78iUJAgH— Hail Varsity (@HailVarsity) November 9, 2025
Fired up
Very cool moment between TJ Lateef and Dana Holgorsen after that TD toss.
The OC is FIRED UP for his true freshman QB making his first career start. https://t.co/mL9Za2yoCwpic.twitter.com/SxsVYGSPhF— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) November 9, 2025
Made it a movie
Husker Nation made it a movie. pic.twitter.com/gGoiOU1qMC— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFootball) November 9, 2025
Elite
Nebraska RB Emmett Johnson vs UCLA:
🌽 32 Touches
🌽 232 Total Yards
🌽 3 Touchdowns@HuskerFootballhttps://t.co/v9m6qrnCvypic.twitter.com/NAtVzzfnHR— PFF College (@PFF_College) November 9, 2025
Yes they did
Nebraska has won a one score road game with a backup QB in November 🔥 pic.twitter.com/W9LTT8mnHi— Rhuler of Husker Nation (@RHULEROFNEB) November 9, 2025
Best. Fans. Ever.
Nebraska fans have taken over the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena. pic.twitter.com/KMGPEqPIN8— Sean Callahan (@Sean_Callahan) November 9, 2025
New York
When do we start talking about getting this man to New York? https://t.co/P9MFBoJD2E— Big Red Football (@BigRedfootball7) November 9, 2025
So good
Us Husker fans know, It’s time the rest of the CFB world listens https://t.co/9SV0uJBbB5— iamRVP (@RVPburner) November 9, 2025
Correct
Correct. https://t.co/oLpxkzzkQ6— Hail Varsity (@HailVarsity) November 9, 2025
Contact/Follow us@CornhuskersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page onFacebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Cornhuskers Wire: Social media reacts to Nebraska's 28-21 win over UCLA
admin_news