3 thoughts on Daniel Kaelin coming back to Nebraska football

Nebraska football fans knew that the Huskers needed another quarterback; they just didn’t know that the other quarterback was going to be Daniel Kaelin.

The former Elite 11 quarterback and one-time Nebraska football quarterback, who transferred to Virginia last offseason, entered the transfer portal last week.

Iowa State was in the mix. They got Zane Flores, which opened the door for Kaelin to come to Nebraska. The strange tweet of Matt Rhule now makes sense. Kaelin has been projected to return. It’s expected to happen, and here are some thoughts on what it means for the Huskers.

A win-win

This is a true win-win. Kaelin gets a chance to compete for the starting job next season, which is probably what he wanted. There is also a clear path to the starting job in 2027. Anthony Colandrea has one year left. Then, it will be down to TJ Lateef and Kaelin, two former Elite-11 quarterbacks, to compete with true freshman Trae Taylor.

That should allow Taylor a redshirt season. Kaelin has three seasons left to play. He’s familiar with the coaching staff, and as far as a third quarterback, Nebraska football couldn’t have done better.

Some needed experience

The Huskers needed another scholarship quarterback, and suddenly, they have another with power-4 starting experience. Kaelin, like Lateef, started due to injury this season (one game). He completed 30-of-52 passes (57 percent) for 332 yards, one touchdown, and one interception for the season. He completed 18-of-28 passes in that start against Wake Forest, although Virginia only scored nine points.

He also ran for 49 yards. Danny has always been willing to bet on himself. That’s why he signed with Nebraska even after Dylan Raiola flipped. He won’t back down from a competition, and that’s a guy you want in your foxhole.

His presence makes the QB room better. Plain and simple.

This is about 2027, as much as 2026

Matt Rhule is going to call it a quarterback competition this spring and fall between Colandrea, Lateef, and Kaelin, but it seems pretty clear who the starter will be.

However, there is a legit competition to be the backup. Whoever wins that job will be a step ahead in the effort to win the job in 2027.

The Huskers will have two former Elite-11 quarterbacks competing this season to be the next starter. That’s not a bad situation. If neither steps up, the portal could be an option, although it gets tricky with Taylor coming in next season, too.

This move gives Nebraska options, especially options that don’t include another high-paid transfer next offseason, which might not be feasible with what the Huskers will be paying Taylor to sign in the 2027 class.

Grade: A.

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