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Throughout much of the 2024 recruiting cycle thus far, the Nebraska Cornhuskers have made Pinnacle (Arizona) five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola their top priority.

The nation's No. 1 recruit and son of a Nebraska legend kept them in the mix until the bitter end before choosing the Georgia Bulldogs earlier this week.

During that time, 21 of the nation's top 24 quarterback came off the board, announcing their college commitments.

One of those was Bellevue West (Nebraska) signal-caller Daniel Kaelin, the top passer in the state of Nebraska.

But on Friday, Kaelin announced his decommitment, then chose Nebraska less than 24 hours later in a move many saw coming.

The 6-foot-2, 198-pound athlete is rated the nation's No. 24 quarterback and the No. 3 prospect in the state of Nebraska. 

When Kaelin originally committed to Missouri in March, he said he felt there was little chance of a reconciliation with the Cornhuskers.

But as Raiola became a less and less likely option for the in-state program, they began to rebuild the relationship.

Over the weekend, Kaelin elected to stay home.

“I envisioned myself playing in a Nebraska uniform and walking out of the tunnel of Memorial Stadium since I moved to Nebraska when I was eight,” Kaelin told 247Sports. “I think just growing up in Nebraska, you can’t escape Husker football. The fanbase is incredible and they always show support whether that’s winning games or losing games.

“I think Husker football is unlike any other program.”

As a junior, Kaelin was a Nebraska first-team all-state selection, accumulating 3,361 yards and 39 total touchdowns.

Nebraska's 2024 recruiting class consists of seven pledges so far and is ranked No. 32 nationally

Junior season highlights