Title: “Shifting Sands: Five Nebraska Football Players Who Departed or Declared for Transfer in 2024”
The 2024 season was a transformative period for Nebraska Cornhuskers football, marked by significant player departures and transfers that reshaped the team’s roster. These changes reflect the dynamic nature of college football, where player movement is increasingly common. Here are five notable players who either declared their intention to leave or transferred from Nebraska during the 2024 season.
1. Dante Dowdell – Running Back
Dante Dowdell, a former top-200 recruit and former Oregon commit, transferred to Nebraska before the 2024 season. In his lone season with the Cornhuskers, Dowdell rushed for 614 yards and 12 touchdowns on 143 carries, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. He also contributed seven catches for 21 yards. However, after the season, Dowdell announced his decision to transfer to Kentucky, joining the Wildcats for the 2025-26 season .(A Sea Of Blue)
2. James Williams – Edge Rusher
James Williams, a 6’6″ 250-pound edge rusher from Parkville, Missouri, transferred to Nebraska after playing at Iowa Central Community College. During his time at Nebraska, Williams recorded notable stats, including 18 tackles, 7 sacks, and 7.5 tackles for loss over 16 games. In December 2024, Williams announced his transfer to Florida State University, choosing FSU over offers from Ohio State and Texas A&M. He has two years of eligibility left and will continue to develop under FSU’s new defensive coordinator Tony White and defensive line coach Terrance Knighton .(Tomahawk Nation)
3. Stefon Thompson – Linebacker
Stefon Thompson, a junior linebacker who transferred to Nebraska from Syracuse, played in all but one game during the 2024 season. He registered 27 tackles and two passes defended. Despite his contributions, Thompson’s playing time was sporadic, logging only 175 total defensive snaps over the final five weeks. In December 2024, Thompson announced his decision to enter the transfer portal, seeking new opportunities for the upcoming season .
4. Mikai Gbayor – Linebacker
Mikai Gbayor, a junior linebacker who played in every game during the 2024 season with 11 starts, set a career high with 49 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, three pass breakups, and two fumble recoveries. Despite his impressive performance, Gbayor announced his decision to enter the transfer portal in December 2024. He later signed with Missouri, continuing his collegiate career with the
5. Ethan Nation – Cornerback
Ethan Nation, a sophomore cornerback and one of Nebraska’s most promising young defensive backs, was no longer listed on the Nebraska football roster during the summer of 2024. Nation had appeared in two games on defense and worked as the team’s punt returner during the previous season. He had a strong Spring Game performance, including an interception. Despite his potential, Nation decided to move on from the program. He will be eligible to enter the transfer portal when it reopens in the fall .(huskerextra.com)
These departures and transfers highlight the fluid nature of college football rosters and the challenges teams face in maintaining continuity. While these players have moved on, Nebraska continues to recruit and develop talent to strengthen its program for future seasons.
