The 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh was a historic weekend for Nebraska football. With two state natives and a breakout Husker star hearing their names called—plus a massive wave of eight Undrafted Free Agents (UDFA) signing with pro teams—the «Big Red» influence on the NFL is stronger than ever.
The Draft Picks: Three Heroes Headed to the Pros
1. Nate Boerkircher (TE) – 2nd Round, Pick 56, Jacksonville Jaguars The Aurora native’s journey from a Nebraska walk-on to a 2nd-round NFL pick is the stuff of legends. After finishing his career at Texas A&M, Boerkircher proved he is one of the most athletic tight ends in recent history, ranking in the top 12% of all-time Relative Athletic Scores (RAS). The Jaguars are getting a 6-foot-6 physical blocker with «really good hands.»
2. Emmett Johnson (RB) – 5th Round, Pick 161, Kansas City Chiefs The reigning Big Ten Running Back of the Year is staying in the region. After a monstrous season with 1,451 rushing yards and 1,821 all-purpose yards, Johnson becomes Nebraska’s first All-American since 2011 to be drafted. Coach Matt Rhule called him a «Heisman candidate,» and now he joins the Super Bowl champions to bolster their backfield.
3. Cole Payton (QB) – 5th Round, Pick 178, Philadelphia Eagles The Omaha Westside product continues the North Dakota State quarterback pipeline. Payton shattered Bison records with a 193.8 QB rating and proved to be a «freak» athlete at the Combine (4.56 40-yard dash). The elite left-hander brings a «determination from another planet» to the Eagles’ locker room.
The Undrafted Wave: 8 More Huskers Enter the League
The draft didn’t end on Saturday for Nebraska. Eight more players secured their professional futures immediately following the event:
- Ceyair Wright (CB) – Cincinnati Bengals: A «grown man» leader praised by Matt Rhule for his versatility in the slot and on special teams.
- Dane Key (WR) – Denver Broncos: The veteran wideout brings his 5-touchdown senior season production to the Mile High City.
- Dasan McCullough (EDGE) – Denver Broncos: A physical force who racked up 5.0 tackles for loss in his lone Husker season.
- DeShon Singleton (S) – Kansas City Chiefs: Joining Emmett Johnson in KC, the ball-hawk safety led Nebraska with two interceptions in 2025.
- Henry Lutovsky (OG) – Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The 320-pound «road grader» who appeared in 51 games as a Husker is headed to Florida.
- Javin Wright (LB) – Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The team leader in tackles (86) and sacks (3.0) joins Lutovsky in Tampa to bolster their defense.
- Alex Bullock (WR) – Jacksonville Jaguars: The Creighton Prep grad and former Husker walk-on reunites with Boerkircher in Jacksonville.
- Sabastian Harsh (DE) – Houston Texans: The Scottsbluff native and NC State standout brings his 7.5 tackles for loss to the Texans’ defensive front.