Two Former Nebraska Football Players Receive NFL Combine Invites

Emmett Johnson and DeShon Singleton to showcase skills at 2026 NFL Scouting Combine

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A pair of former Nebraska football players, running back Emmett Johnson and defensive back DeShon Singleton, have received invitations to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Johnson, an All-American and Big Ten Running Back of the Year, and Singleton, an All-Big Ten honorable mention, will have the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of NFL scouts as they look to improve their draft stock ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Why it matters

The invitations to the NFL Combine are a significant achievement for Johnson and Singleton, as it puts them on the radar of NFL teams and increases their chances of being selected in the upcoming draft. Nebraska has had a recent drought of NFL draft selections, so the inclusion of these two players in the combine could help the program regain its reputation as a pipeline to the professional ranks.

The details

Johnson, a redshirt junior, had a standout 2025 season, leading the Big Ten in rushing yards (1,451) and rushing touchdowns (12). He is projected as a Day 2 (second or third round) draft pick by ESPN's Mel Kiper. Singleton, a senior safety, finished his Nebraska career with 163 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, a sack, eight pass breakups, and three interceptions. He impressed scouts during the Reese's Senior Bowl and is considered a potential mid-round selection.

  • The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine will be held in Indianapolis from February 23 to March 2.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.

The players

Emmett Johnson

A redshirt junior running back for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Johnson was an All-American and the Big Ten Running Back of the Year in 2025 after rushing for 1,451 yards and 12 touchdowns.

DeShon Singleton

A senior safety for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Singleton finished his college career with 163 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, a sack, eight pass breakups, and three interceptions. He earned All-Big Ten honorable mention in 2025.

Ceyair Wright

A senior cornerback for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Wright was a late addition to the Senior Bowl's American roster and impressed during the East-West Shrine Bowl practices, but was notably absent from the NFL Combine invite list.

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What they’re saying

“He's not taking huge hits. He makes people miss. He doesn't take a lot of direct shots. There's never been a time where he's been limited in practice.”

— Matt Rhule, Nebraska coach

“The turning point for me is I sat down, talked about it with my family. I feel like God blessed me with another opportunity that just came out of nowhere. I mean, you have to take it, so I just took that opportunity.”

— DeShon Singleton

What’s next

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The takeaway

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