3-star QB Daniel Kaelin commits to Missouri: 'It was home'

Missouri and North Carolina were the two final contenders for Bellevue (Neb.) Bellevue West three-star quarterback Daniel Kaelin. He visited both programs, but something felt different in Columbia.

After watching practice and being around the coaches on Friday, Kaelin went to head coach Eliah Drinkwitz‘s office on Saturday morning. During that meeting, he committed to Missouri.

“After the visit, right as we got in the car, my mom and my stepdad were with me and I was like, ‘I think I want to commit tomorrow,'” Kaelin told On3. “I could just feel it. I just knew it was the right place for me and that it was home.”

Kaelin believes that Missouri’s staff can develop him at a high level. He “firmly” believes in Drinkwitz and offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Kirby Moore.

The 6-foot-3, 200-pound signal-caller is aware of Moore’s success at Fresno State. With the Bulldogs, Moore helped Jake Haener progress into a talented quarterback and likely NFL Draft pick.

“I’m very confident that the offense that coach Moore’s gonna be running at Mizzou definitely fits me,” said Kaelin, the No. 440 overall prospect and No. 25 quarterback in the 2024 On3 Industry Ranking. “They throw the ball a lot and that’s something that I definitely want to be a part of.”

Kaelin knows he made ‘the right decision’ by choosing Missouri

The Tigers won out for Kaelin because of multiple reasons. He likes how Missouri is close to his home, has a great fanbase and competes against top college football programs.

Drinkwitz also played a key role in his decision. He felt that the Tigers’ head man and other staffers wanted him in Columbia badly.

“I don’t think there was a head coach at any other school that I’ve developed as good of a relationship with and been in as much contact with as coach Drinkwitz,” Kaelin said. “I think that was a big factor for me, knowing that not just the offensive staff, but the whole entire coaching staff down there is always in contact with me and showing the love and that I’m truly their No. 1 guy at the QB position and a priority for them.”

Kaelin, who was born in Missouri, is now focused on recruiting. He wants to help the Tigers build a “big class” this cycle.

With his college destination official, Kaelin knows he made “the right decision.” Now, he is locked in on improving as a senior, so he can arrive at Missouri ready for college football.

“The SEC, especially in the last couple of years, is no doubt the most talented, the best conference,” Kaelin said. “That’s another plus. I’m super excited to be able to have an opportunity to play at that level against that level of competition week in and week out and test myself and my abilities.”