Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule had high praise for his star quarterback, Dylan Raiola, at Big Ten Media Days. Entering his second season as the starting signal-caller in 2025, Raiola is now being hailed not just as an offensive force but as a crucial leader for the Huskers, both on and off the field.
Rhule highlighted Raiola’s significant development across multiple facets since his arrival. «He’s done a great job with his body. He’s done a great job with his knowledge of the offense, his growth with [quarterbacks coach] Glenn Thomas, and [our OC] Dana Holgorsen,» Rhule stated.
The coach emphasized the inherent challenge Raiola faced in taking on a leadership role at such a young age, especially with immense expectations. «His command of the roster, of the team, make no mistake, it’s really hard to come in as a freshman with tremendous expectations and have to go be the leader. You’re 18 years old, and you’re telling six-year seniors now and telling 25, 24-year-old men, ‘Hey, I need you to do this.’ It’s so hard. What Dylan did last year was really hard.»
In his rookie season in 2024, Raiola guided Nebraska to a 7-6 record, marking the program’s first bowl game appearance since the 2016 season, ending the longest postseason drought in Lincoln since the 1950s. He finished the year with 2,819 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
Raiola’s decision to commit to Nebraska was a pivotal moment, considering he was a top-tier recruit previously committed to powerhouses like Ohio State and Georgia. Rhule’s compelling vision for turning the program around, along with strong family ties (Dylan’s father, Dominic Raiola, played for the Huskers), ultimately swayed him.
«I said, come to Nebraska. It’s going to be hard. There will be adversity. You’ll be frustrated sometimes, but we will eventually do something great,» Rhule recalled telling the young quarterback. With just one season under his belt, Raiola has clearly learned from his freshman growing pains and has emerged as a stronger leader. Rhule believes his QB1 is fully embracing this role heading into the fall.
«I think our team is going to play for Dylan,» Rhule asserted. «And I love coaching the kid — young man.»