With the college football transfer portal officially opening onDec. 9, Nebraska is set to experience large-scale changes to its roster.
Here is a recap of the Huskers' latest moves, departures and additions. The list will be updated as additional news breaks:
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Tuesday, Dec. 3
Departure: Defensive end James Williams
James Williams plans to enter the transfer portal, he announced Tuesday via a post onX. 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 apreferred 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 toOn3.
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: QuarterbackDaniel 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.
Monday, Dec. 2
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 linemanJimari 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 earlierreportsof Nebraska defensive coordinator Tony White and defensive line coach Terrance Knighton joining Florida State. Head coach Matt Rhule previouslystatedthat 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: LinebackerStefon 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 linemanVincent Jackson
On Monday afternoon, Vincent Jackson announced onXthat 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 isreturningto Nebraska.
Departure: Running back Gabe Ervin Jr.
On Monday morning,On3reported 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.
Monday, Nov. 25
Departure: Wide receiverMalachi 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 theNo. 1player 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.
