Nebraska defensive lineman Deontre Thomas is not returning for his sixth season with the program, according to the Journal Star via a school spokesperson. Thomas is electing to declare for the 2022 NFL Draft.

The departure of Thomas is the latest loss to the defensive line, which also includes Damion Daniels and Ben Stille.

The 6-foot-3, 295-pound Thomas tallied 7 solo tackles and 1.5 sacks this season.

Thomas arrived at Nebraska as a member of the Class of 2017 and served as an undersized nose tackle in his first season with the program. Thomas then redshirted in 2018 and appeared as a role player in 2019. Thomas’ 2020 season was cut short due to injury. Upon his return in 2021, Thomas elevated to become a starting-caliber player for Nebraska and then-defensive line coach Tony Tuioti.

Nebraska finished the season with a 3-9 record and on a six-game losing streak. The Cornhusker’s last victory came vs. Northwestern on Oct. 2.