2 Kansas City Chiefs 2026 NFL Draft picks already played at Arrowhead Stadium in 2025 — as opponents before joining the KC roster
New Kansas City Chiefs players Emmett Johnson and Cyrus Allen already got a taste of what it’s like to play at Arrowhead Stadium during the 2025 Battle Sports Kansas City Classic between Nebraska and Cincinnati.
A pair of Kansas City Chiefs draft picks already made their GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium debuts during the 2025 college football season.
In Week 1 of the college football season, the Nebraska Corhuskers faced off against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the 2025 Battle Sports Kansas City Classic. It brought the Chiefs’ fifth-round picks, Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson (Round 5, Pick 161) and Cincinnati WR Cyrus Allen (Round 5, Pick 176) to the Arrowhead gridiron.
Johnson was a focal point of the game for Nebraska, carrying the ball 25 times for 108 yards. Meanwhile, Allen had just made his Bearcats debut after recovering from an elbow injury during the spring. He still managed five receptions for 41 yards and two carries for 18 yards. In the end, the Cornhuskers would walk away with a 20-17 win over Cincinnati.
“That was one I’ll remember for the rest of my life,” Johnson said after the game. “Playing at the Chiefs’ stadium? That’s crazy, man. I’ve seen a couple of Chiefs players out there. Crazy environment. Husker Nation, obviously, the best fans in college football showed out once again. So, it was amazing to be out there.”
Little did Johnson or Allen know, this was just a preview of what was to come for their NFL career.
Chiefs draft picks Emmett Johnson and Cyrus Allen reflect on their experiences at Arrowhead Stadium in 2025
Speaking to media members in Kansas City after their selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, Johnson and Allen reflected on their experiences at Arrowhead. While Johnson didn’t get to meet any of his new teammates, he did cherish what playing in front of Chiefs Kingdom is all about.
“Yeah, it was amazing,” Johnson told reporters. “I didn’t get to meet – I seen some of the players walking down on the field, but I didn’t get to meet them. I saw (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid, too. It was just a blessing to be out there, man. I really loved the field, loved the environment, and I know a lot of Nebraska fans are going to follow me there, so it’s going to be great.”
Nebraska RB Emmett Johnson 2025 seasons stats and facts
The 22-year-old Johnson was named Big Ten RB of the Year, First-Team All-American, First-Team Big Ten, and Nebraska Male Athlete of They Year in 2025.
- Touches: 297
- Total Yards: 1,821
- Touchdowns: 15
Allen didn’t come out on the winning side of the matchup, but he also felt he had a strong showing. Needless to say, the Chiefs seemed to be paying close attention.
“It was good to play there (GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium),” Allen told reporters. “I think I played there one other time or been there one other time, but it was good. I felt like I was in my groove that game. I made a lot of plays that game, and when it came down to the comedown, I just felt comfortable in that stadium. So, I’m excited to be there.”
