Nebraska Cornhuskers Rocked by Stunning Triple Departure: QB Daniel Kaelin Among Three Key Players Confirmed Out Ahead of 2025 Season
LINCOLN, NE — August 16, 2025
In a seismic shake-up that has sent shockwaves through the Big Ten and left Nebraska football fans stunned, three pivotal Nebraska Cornhuskers players — including starting quarterback Daniel Kaelin — have officially confirmed their departure from the program just weeks before the 2025 season kicks off.
This unforeseen blow threatens to derail what had been projected as one of the most promising campaigns of the Matt Rhule era. The news was confirmed early Saturday morning by multiple team sources and later corroborated by the Nebraska athletic department in a brief but somber press release.
🔻 THE DEPARTURES:
1. Daniel Kaelin — Quarterback (Jr.)
The biggest name in the trio, Daniel Kaelin, was expected to take a major leap this season as Nebraska’s undisputed QB1. After a solid sophomore campaign, in which he threw for 2,785 yards, 21 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions, Kaelin was on several preseason watchlists, including the Maxwell and Davey O’Brien Awards.
However, sources close to the situation report that Kaelin entered the transfer portal late Friday night, citing “philosophical differences” with the evolving offensive scheme and interest from several Power Five programs. Among potential landing spots: South Carolina, UCLA, and Florida.
2. Jamaal Thomas — Starting Middle Linebacker (Sr.)
A vocal leader and defensive anchor, Thomas led the Cornhuskers in tackles (102) last season and was widely considered the heart of Nebraska’s front seven. His departure, reportedly due to personal reasons, leaves a major leadership vacuum in the middle of the defense. Insiders hint at possible preparation for the NFL Draft, though Thomas has yet to confirm future plans.
3. Malik Frazier — WR1 and Special Teams Ace (So.)
Explosive and versatile, Malik Frazier emerged last year as Nebraska’s top receiving threat, notching 832 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns, while also leading the Big Ten in punt return average. A dynamic playmaker with rare open-field elusiveness, Frazier is believed to be pursuing NIL opportunities and has been linked to USC and Miami in early portal speculation.
💬 COACH RHULE RESPONDS
Head Coach Matt Rhule addressed the media in a hastily arranged press conference at Memorial Stadium.
> “This isn’t how we wanted to start the season, obviously. But we build culture here, not just depth charts. We’ve been preparing for adversity, and we’ll rise to this challenge like Cornhuskers always do.”
Rhule also emphasized the emergence of incoming freshman QB Tyler “T.J.” Winston, a highly touted dual-threat recruit from Texas, who could be thrust into the spotlight far earlier than expected.
🎯 WHAT THIS MEANS FOR NEBRASKA
With less than a month until their season opener against Arizona State, Nebraska now faces serious questions at quarterback, defense, and in the return game. Analysts have already begun recalibrating expectations, shifting Nebraska from potential dark horse Big Ten title contenders to an uncertain middle-of-the-pack position.
Recruiting momentum, which had been building throughout the summer, could also be impacted by the timing and visibility of these exits.
🔍 THE BIG PICTURE
This triple exit highlights the ongoing volatility of modern college football, where NIL deals, transfer portal freedom, and shifting program philosophies can instantly reshape a roster — even one as historically rooted as Nebraska.
But if there’s one certainty in Lincoln, it’s resilience. The program that once dominated college football for decades isn’t likely to fade quietly into the prairie.
Nebraska now enters the 2025 season not just with questions — but with something perhaps even more dangerous:
Something to prove.
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Story developing. Updates to follow.
