The Cornhuskers huddle up during the game against UCLA at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Lincoln, Nebraska.
The Cornhuskers huddle up during the game against UCLA at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Nebraska is set to experience large-scale changes to its roster as the college football transfer portal officially opened on Dec. 9.
Here is a recap of the Huskers’ latest moves, departures and additions. The list will be updated as additional news breaks:
The DN’s football coverage is presented by Celerion.
Departure: Tight end Thomas Fidone II
Tight end Thomas Fidone II has announced that he will not return to Nebraska. During his four seasons in Lincoln. Fidone II caught 61 passes for 633 yards and four touchdowns in 26 games. He was a member of the 2021 recruiting class but did not see any action until last season due to injuries.
Fidone II saw his target share decrease when offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen took over as he only had 8 catches in the four games Holgorsen called. He is the second member of the tight end room to leave this offseason, joining Nate Boerkircher who committed to Texas A&M.
Addition: Linebacker Marques Watson-Trent
Nebraska continues to rebuild its linebacker group by adding Georgia Southern transfer Marques Watson-Trent, per On3. Watson-Trent will have one year of eligibility remaining.
Watson-Trent spent the last five years with the Eagles, tallying over 100 tackles in each of the last three seasons. He earned Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year honors this past season, finishing with 120 total tackles, 1.5 sacks and four forced fumbles.
Watson-Trent adds some much-needed help for the Huskers who will be without several inside linebackers from the previous season.
Addition: Wide receiver Hardley Gilmore IV
Nebraska rang in the new year by adding Kentucky wide receiver transfer Hardley Gilmore IV, according to On3. He is the third receiver the Huskers have added this portal cycle.
Gilmore IV will rejoin receivers coach Daikel Shorts, who joined Nebraska’s staff in after this season. During his freshman campaign, he reeled in six catches for 153 yards and a touchdown. This addition adds some depth to the Huskers receiving room after the departure of Jaylen Lloyd
Departure: Wide receiver Jaylen Lloyd
Sophomore wide receiver Jaylen Lloyd has entered the portal. The Omaha native caught 19 passes for 492 yards and three touchdowns during his two seasons in Lincoln.
Lloyd saw most of his action during his freshman season as his snap count took a hit this year. He only saw three plays during Nebraska’s 20-15 win over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl.
Addition: Defensive back Andrew Marshall
Nebraska got a Christmas morning commitment from former Idaho defensive back Andrew Marshall.
Marshall earned Big Sky first-team all-conference honors in 2024, tallying 45 tackles. He will have two seasons of eligibility remaining.
At 6-foot, 190-pounds, Marshall was considered one of the best defenders at the FCS level and should compete for a starting role in Nebraska’s secondary.
Addition: Wide receiver Dane Key
Nebraska made another splash in the portal on Tuesday, adding one of the top available players.
Key, a Kentucky transfer, has one year of eligibility remaining after three productive seasons with the Wildcats. He was a 4-star recruit in the class of 2022 as a consensus top-50 wide receiver.
The Lexington, Kentucky native hauled in a career-high 47 catches for 715 yards in 2024, leading all other Wildcat receivers by over 350 yards. He was one of the few silver linings for a bottom-25 Kentucky passing attack.
Key follows his wide receivers coach Daikiel Shorts, who joined Matt Rhule’s staff in the same role. Shorts spent one season at Kentucky after coaching under offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen at both West Virginia and Houston.
Addition: Linebacker Dasan McCollough
Nebraska has landed Oklahoma transfer Dasan McCollough, according to On3. The 6-foot-5 linebacker recorded 17 tackles this season and had 30 tackles and three passes defended in the 2023-24 season. He will have one year of eligibility remaining.
The 2022-23 Freshman All-American is a candidate to replace graduating senior Isaac Gifford at the ROVER position. McCollough’s frame will provide more length in the secondary than Gifford.
Addition: Safety Justyn Rhett
Nebraska has added former Georgia safety Justyn Rhett, according to On3. Rhett was a 4-star recruit in the 2023 class.
Rhett is the first secondary addition the Huskers have made this transfer portal cycle. He saw limited action during his two seasons in Athens, redshirting during the 2023-24 season and appearing in four games this past year. He will have three seasons of eligibility remaining
Addition: Quarterback Marcos Davila
The Huskers added depth at the quarterback position on Friday, as former Purdue signal caller Marcos Davila announced his commitment to Nebraska on X.
Davila redshirted during his freshman season and will have four years of eligibility remaining. The Midland, Texas native was a top-50 recruit in the the 2024 class, winning three Texas District 2-6A state titles in high school.
After Nebraska lost Daniel Kaelin to the portal, Davila will serve as a serviceable backup to Dylan Raiola next season.
Addition: Wide receiver Nyziah Hunter
Nebraska added its first offensive player through the transfer portal in wide receiver Nyziah Hunter. The Cal transfer committed to the Huskers on Thursday afternoon, according to On3.
Hunter redshirted his first season for the Golden Bears before having a stellar 2024 campaign. The 6-foot-2 speedster totaled 40 receptions for 578 yards and five touchdowns, leading Cal wide receivers in all three categories.
The former 4-star recruit enters Lincoln with three years of eligibility remaining. Hunter joins a Husker receiver room losing two of its top three contributors in seniors Jahmal Banks and Isaiah Neyor.
Addition: Defensive lineman Gabe Moore
Nebraska’s defensive line added another transfer in Mississippi State’s Gabe Moore. The redshirt freshman’s agency confirmed his commitment with ESPN Thursday.
Moore was a 3-star recruit in the 2023 class but did not see any game action over two years with the Bulldogs. He redshirted his freshman season before sitting out 2024 with an injury.
The 6-foot-4, 290-pound lineman has four years of eligibility remaining and should provide instant help in the Huskers defensive front.
Addition: Punter Jack McCallister
The Huskers have landed transfer punter Jack McCallister, according to On3. This is the fourth commit and second special teams addition Nebraska has made this transfer portal cycle.
McCallister spent four seasons at Washington, handling all but one punt from 2022-2024, including a 56-yard boot in the National Championship last season.
Last year, McCallister had 12 punts within the 20-yard line and averaged 44 yards per punt. McCallister will replace graduating senior Brian Buschini next season and has one year of eligibility remaining.
Addition: Defensive lineman Jaylen George
The Huskers continue to rebuild their defensive line with the addition of Jaylen George. The East Tennessee State transfer committed to Nebraska on Tuesday morning, according to HuskerOnline.
George enters Lincoln with two years of eligibility remaining. He earned first-team All-Southern Conference honors this past season with the Buccaneers, recording 33 tackles, six tackles for loss and half a sack.
George is the third portal commit for the Huskers and the second defensive lineman, joining Missouri’s Williams Nwaneri.
Departure: Running back Dante Dowdell
Nebraska running back Dante Dowdell plans to enter the transfer portal, according to On3.
Dowdell spent just one year in Lincoln after transferring from Oregon last offseason. He rushed for 614 yards and led the team with 12 touchdowns in 2024.
This move comes after fellow running back Emmett Johnson announced plans to enter the portal before ultimately reversing course and returning to the team. Dowdell emerged as the No. 1 back early in the year but saw his usage dip as Johnson became more featured in the offense.
Dowdell, a former four-star recruit, will have two years of eligibility remaining as he did not utilize his redshirt at Oregon.
Addition: Long snapper Kevin Gallic
Nebraska addressed an area of need with the addition of long snapper Kevin Gallic. The New Hampshire transfer announced his commitment to the Huskers on his X account Saturday morning.
Nebraska had trouble filling the void that former long snapper Marco Ortiz left this past season with juniors Aidan Flege and Camden Witucki each struggling in the role. Gallic will have one year of eligibility remaining after appearing in 36 games with the Wildcats.
He earned FCS mid-season first-team All-American honors in 2024, and is regarded as one of the best long snappers in the country.
Departure: Defensive back Koby Bretz
Koby Bretz has entered the transfer portal, according to On3.
The junior safety played in five games this past season, recording three tackles. The Omaha Westside product appeared in 17 games over four years with Nebraska.
Bretz is the second scholarship defensive back to enter the portal for the Huskers, joining redshirt freshman Dwight Bootle II.
Addition: Defensive lineman Williams Nwaneri
Nebraska has begun to reload its defensive line, adding former consensus 5-star prospect and Missouri transfer Williams Nwaneri, according to On3.
Nwaneri, the No.7 recruit in the 2024 class, officially entered the portal on Thursday morning with a do-not-contact tag. During his lone season with the Tigers, Nwaneri redshirted, only appearing in four games and recording two tackles and a sack.
Nwaneri has connections to the Huskers as he was coached by Nebraska assistant Jamar Mozee while at Lee’s Summit North High School in Kansas City, Missouri. The 6-foot-7, 255-pound edge rusher will provide explosiveness and size on the outside and will have multiple years to develop.
Departure: Wide receiver Isaiah McMorris
Isaiah McMorris has entered the transfer portal, according to On3.
The freshman utilized his redshirt this past season, appearing in one game. McMorris was the No. 3 in-state recruit in the 2024 class. He joins Bellevue West teammates Daniel Kaelin and Dae’vonn Hall in the portal after all spending one year with the Huskers.
Departure: Tight end Nate Boerkircher
Nate Boerkircher has entered the transfer portal, according to On3.
The junior tight end spent the last four years at Nebraska after joining the program as a walk-on in 2020. He enjoyed the most productive season of his career in 2024, particularly under Dana Holgorsen, with career-high snap counts against Wisconsin and Iowa.
Boerkircher caught six passes for 109 yards this year, playing primarily in run blocking scenarios. He is the second Nebraska tight end to enter the portal, joining AJ Rollins.
Departure: Offensive lineman Jacob Hood
Reserve offensive lineman Jacob Hood is entering the transfer portal, according to On3. The former Georgia transfer did not start any games during his time with Nebraska.
Hood is the first Husker offensive lineman to enter their name into the portal.
Returning: Defensive lineman Keona Davis
After entering his name into the portal on Monday, freshman defensive lineman Keona Davis is returning to Lincoln, according to his X account. He is the second Nebraska player to announce their return after entering the portal, as sophomore running back Emmett Johnson announced his return on Sunday.
The return of Davis is huge for the Huskers’ defensive line depth. He only had nine total tackles in 11 games this season, but will have a chance to fill the void of departing seniors Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher next season
Departure: Tight end AJ Rollins
AJ Rollins has entered the transfer portal, according to On3. The Creighton Prep product spent four seasons with Nebraska and will have one year of eligibility remaining.
Rollins was originally recruited as a top-50 tight end prospect, but switched to the defensive line after his redshirt freshman campaign. He played in four games in 2023 before moving back to tight end ahead of the 2024 season.
Departure: Defensive lineman Keona Davis
Keona Davis will enter the transfer portal, according to announcement on his X account.
The former 3-star recruit is the third member of the 2024 recruiting class to enter the portal, joining fellow freshmen Dae’vonn Hall and Daniel Kaelin. Davis played in 11 games this season, recording nine tackles.
He is the sixth defensive lineman to enter the portal following the departure of D-line coach Terrance Knighton.
Returning: Running back Emmett Johnson
In a quick turn of events, sophomore running back Emmett Johnson announced on his X account Sunday that he will return to Nebraska. The decision comes three days after announcing that he planned on entering the transfer portal.
Johnson ran for 523 yards and a touchdown this past season while catching 35 passes for 262 yards and a score. He emerged as Nebraska’s No. 1 running back once offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen took over. Johnson is primed to be the Huskers lead back for the foreseeable future.
Departure: Defensive lineman Brodie Tagaloa
Brodie Tagaloa plans to enter the transfer portal, he announced via his X account.
The former 3-star prospect joined Nebraska in the 2022 recruiting class, originally as a tight end. Tagaloa switched to the defensive line following his redshirt season, but missed the entire 2023 year after suffering a significant injury in a car accident.
He returned to the field for one game in 2024, playing against Northern Iowa.
Departure: Defensive back Dwight Bootle II
Redshirt freshman defensive back Dwight Bootle II announced on X Sunday that he is entering the transfer portal. Bootle appeared in six games over the past two years with a season-ending injury cutting his true freshman campaign short.
Bootle was a legacy Husker, as his older brother Dicaprio was a three-year starter at cornerback from 2018 to 2020. He is the first scholarship defensive back for Nebraska to enter the portal this season.
Departure: Running back Ryker Evans
Freshman running back Ryker Evans announced on X Saturday that he plans on entering the transfer portal. The Elwood, Nebraska native did not appear in a game in his one season in Lincoln.
Evans is the second walk-on to enter the portal, following defensive back Mason Jones. Evans will have four years of eligibility remaining.
Departure: Defensive back Mason Jones
Redshirt freshman defensive back Mason Jones announced on X Saturday that he will enter the transfer portal. Jones did not play in a game over his two years at Nebraska.
Jones is the first walk-on to enter the portal for the Huskers. The Omaha Burke product will have three years of eligibility remaining.
Departure: Wide receiver Dae’vonn Hall
Freshman Dae’vonn Hall announced plans to enter the portal on Friday evening via his X account.
The Bellevue West product utilized his redshirt year in 2024 and did not appear in a game. As a 3-star, he was the consensus No. 2 in-state recruit in the class, joining Nebraska alongside classmates Daniel Kaelin and Isaiah McMorris.
Hall and Kaelin are the first two members of the 2024 recruiting class to enter the portal.
Departure: Running back Emmett Johnson
Sophomore running back Emmett Johnson is entering the portal, according to CBS and 247 Sports
The former 3-star recruit from Minneapolis had 785 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games this season. Johnson started 2024 as the third-string running back but emerged as Nebraska’s top back towards the end of the year, carrying the ball at least 16 times in each of the Huskers’ last two games.
Johnson is the 11th Nebraska player to announce their intentions to enter the portal and the first from the running back room. He will have two years of eligibility remaining.
Departure: Defensive lineman Kai Wallin
Sophomore defensive lineman Kai Wallin announced on X Wednesday that he has decided to enter the transfer portal. Wallin was a rotational piece on Nebraska’s defensive line, recording four tackles and 0.5 sacks on the season.
Wallin is the fourth defensive lineman to enter the portal for the Huskers, following junior Jimari Butler, freshman Vincent Jackson and sophomore James Williams. This comes after reports of defensive line coach Terrance Knighton leaving Nebraska to follow defensive coordinator Tony White to Florida State.
Departure: Defensive end James Williams
James Williams plans to enter the transfer portal, he announced Tuesday via a post on X. The sophomore defensive end played primarily played on pass-rush downs, tallying five sacks and nine solo tackles in the 2024 season.
Williams began his career at Iowa Central Community College before joining the Huskers as a preferred walk-on and spending two seasons in Lincoln. He served as one of Nebraska’s premier pass rushers, finishing second on the team in sacks.
Williams has a great relationship with defensive line coach Terrance Knighton, who has been rumored to follow defensive coordinator Tony White to Florida State.
Departure: Linebacker Princewill Umanmielen
Sophomore linebacker Princewill Umanmielen will enter the transfer portal, according to On3.
Umanmielen, a former 4-star prospect out of Manor, TX, had shown flashes during his two seasons in Lincoln. As a true freshman, he played in 11 games and racked up 22 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss. In 2024, Umanmielen recorded 13 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss.
Umanmielen is the eighth Husker to enter the portal in this cycle and the third linebacker, joining Mikai Gbayor and Stefon Thompson. He was primed to take over the starting Jack linebacker role with the graduation of senior MJ Sherman.
Departure: Quarterback Daniel Kaelin
True freshman quarterback Daniel Kaelin told ESPN Tuesday that he intends to enter the transfer portal with four years of eligibility remaining. Kaelin did not appear in a game this season, being listed as the No. 3 quarterback on Nebraska’s depth chart.
Kaelin was one of the top in-state recruits for the Huskers in 2024, ranking as the fourth-best player in Nebraska. Head coach Matt Rhule had high expectations for the Bellevue West product and was confident Kaelin could lead the offense this past season if called upon.
While not shocking given the development of Dylan Raiola, Nebraska’s QB room loses some valuable depth.
Departure: Linebacker Mikai Gbayor
On Monday evening, On3 reported that Mikai Gbayor intends to enter the transfer portal. The junior played a key role for Nebraska’s defense in 2024 at the inside linebacker position. He finished the season with 49 total tackles and six tackles for loss, both career highs.
Gbayor joins fellow linebacker, junior Stefon Thompson, in the portal. Nebraska loses its top four inside backers with two transfers and the graduation of seniors John Bullock and Javin Wright. Freshman Vincent Shavers Jr. will be the only returning ILB who played over 50 snaps in 2024.
Departure: Defensive lineman Jimari Butler
Jimari Butler plans to enter the transfer portal with one year of eligibility remaining, according to a Monday report from On3.
The move comes after earlier reports of Nebraska defensive coordinator Tony White and defensive line coach Terrance Knighton joining Florida State. Head coach Matt Rhule previously stated that Butler wanted to return next season.
Butler appeared in 11 games this past season, starting in 10 of them. As a single-digit number recipient, he recorded 22 total tackles and two sacks. In 2023, Butler led the Huskers with 5.5 sacks earning Honorable Mention All-Big Ten recognition from the media.
Departure: Linebacker Stefon Thompson
Stefon Thompson will enter the transfer portal, according to a report from Pete Nakos. He will have one year of eligibility remaining.
Thompson spent just one year in Lincoln after transferring from Syracuse last offseason. He played under Tony White at his previous stop and opted to enter the transfer portal after White took the defensive coordinator role at Florida State.
Thompson saw limited action in 2024, playing only 175 total snaps. He finished the year with 27 tackles and two pass breakups.
Departure: Defensive lineman Vincent Jackson
On Monday afternoon, Vincent Jackson announced on X that he was entering the transfer portal. As a redshirt freshman, Jackson was a rotational piece in the Nebraska defensive line, playing 56 snaps in 10 games.
Jackson was one of the featured players in the Huskers’ 2023 recruiting class, flipping from Syracuse to Nebraska on signing day. The Huskers lose depth at the nose tackle position where Jackson was behind senior Nash Hutmacher and junior Elijah Jeudy, who announced that he is returning to Nebraska.
Departure: Running back Gabe Ervin Jr.
On Monday morning, On3 reported that Gabe Ervin Jr. entered the portal with one year of eligibility remaining. The junior had just 14 carries for 41 yards and two touchdowns this past season as the fourth running back on the depth chart. He had his most productive game in the season opener against UTEP with six attempts for 24 yards and two scores.
Ervin went into 2021 and 2023 as the starting running back, but a pair of season-ending injuries derailed his development. In four years, he ran for 455 yards and five touchdowns. He is the second offensive player to enter the portal for the Huskers, following sophomore wide receiver Malachi Coleman.
Departure: Wide receiver Malachi Coleman
Head coach Matt Rhule announced at his Monday media availability that Malachi Coleman would enter the transfer portal. Coleman later confirmed the news via his X account.
The sophomore saw action in one game during a redshirt season, playing special teams against Rutgers. He enters the portal with three years of eligibility remaining.
The Lincoln native was one of the top players in Nebraska’s 2023 class, ranking as the No. 1 player in Nebraska. Coleman is the first of many Huskers to enter the transfer portal with new NCAA rules limiting rosters to 105 players starting in 2025. Rhule said he anticipates 45-50 players will enter the portal.
Stay tuned for updates. This is a developing story.
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