Nebraska running back Mekhi Nelson was arrested in Key West, Florida, on a misdemeanor battery charge following an alleged domestic dispute, according to police records that TMZ obtained.
Videos by FanBuzz
Authorities responded to a disturbance at the Blue Flamingo Resort shortly before noon. According to the police report, officers spoke with Nelson and his pregnant girlfriend, who gave differing accounts of what led to the incident.
Police said Nelson told officers the couple had been arguing, while the woman alleged the dispute escalated after an argument inside their hotel room. According to the report, she accused Nelson of taking her phone and throwing it before damaging her swimsuit during the confrontation. Officers noted visible scratches on her stomach and thigh, according to the report.
The woman also told police she is seven months pregnant with the couple's second child and said law enforcement had responded to previous incidents involving the two, according to the report.
TMZ reported Nelson became emotional while being transported to jail.
Nelson, a redshirt sophomore, is entering his third season with the Cornhuskers and was expected to compete for a larger role in Nebraska's backfield this fall.
He rushed for 147 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries during the 2025 season, adding eight receptions for 102 yards. Nelson was also recognized as an Academic All-Big Ten selection and a member of the Tom Osborne Citizenship Team.
Court records did not immediately indicate whether Nelson had retained an attorney who could comment on the allegation. Nebraska had not publicly addressed the arrest as of Monday.
