Last Thursday, the quarterback returned to the field fully recovered from his broken fibula, and his new coach is excited about what’s ahead: “He’s working,” Lanning said via on3.com. “He was able to practice with us today. We’re being conscientious of where he’s at as he comes back. But he’s pushing.

“And it’s new for him. He’s coming into a new system. But he’s learning it well. He’s definitely a cerebral player that can make the throws, so very excited about where he’s at and where he’ll continue to grow.”

An intriguing QB battle in Eugene

After Dante Moore shocked the scouting world by forgoing the NFL Draft—where he was projected as a top-five pick—to return for his junior year, the Ducks solidified their status as immediate national title contenders.

The dynamic shifted further when former five-star recruit Dylan Raiola transferred from Nebraska in January, reportedly willing to redshirt or compete for the backup role to develop within Lanning’s system.

While Moore remains the heavy favorite to retain his starting job following a 3,500-yard, 30-touchdown campaign, the arrival of Raiola provides Oregon with unprecedented security and sets up a fascinating leadership dynamic in Eugene.

Moore acknowledges Raiola’s situation

At one point, Dante Moore found himself in the same situation that Dylan Raiola is in today. Dillon Gabriel was until recently the team’s primary quarterback, so being his backup helped Moore a lot as he got started in this new stage.

“More of it was, with Dylan coming in and kind of play the role like Dillon Gabriel did for me when I first came in,” Moore revealed. “Making sure that I was in tune with things when it came to the offense. Always there to help Dylan out, just to push him at practice and push him in the weight room. Just be that energy source that he needs and make sure he gets through his days.

“Of course, Dylan Raiola, when he came in, he talked to me. He opened up the table and just vented to me about things he needs to work on, things he can help me with. And I really appreciate that.”

After a disheartening NCAA season with the Cornhuskers, Raiola has decided to step away from the program in Lincoln. The 20-year-old quarterback has entered the transfer portal and a decision on his next school is looming. While many believed Mahomes’ college football career would play a role in Raiola’s verdict, a report states otherwise.

According to insider Pete Nakos and On3 Sports, the Texas Tech Red Raiders won’t be a factor in Raiola’s transfer portal decision. Still, several users across social media aren’t buying the report, believing the Nebraska transfer will vie to enroll at Mahomes’ alma mater.

After Mahomes suffered a torn ACL in Week 15 of the NFL season, the coincidences didn’t end with their similar haircuts, facial hair, or even the same pregame routine. Now, both Mahomes and Raiola’s years have been cut short by season-ending injuries.

Raiola’s time at Nebraska

Raiola enrolled in 2024 as a five-star recruit out of Buford, Georgia. Though the Cornhuskers were coming off disappointing seasons in the Big Ten, head coach Matt Rhule’s second year along with Raiola’s arrival created high expectations for the school in Lincoln.

To an extent, those expectations were met as the freshman quarterback led the Huskers to their first winning season in seven years. Moreover, Nebraska won its first bowl game since 2015. The 2025 college football season wasn’t necessarily a disappointment, but it wasn’t ideal, either. The Huskers secured bowl eligibility—they will be competing on New Year’s Eve in the Las Vegas Bowl against the No. 15 Utah Utes.

Raiola has been out for the season after breaking his right-leg fibula in November. Now, the quarterback confirmed he won’t even be with the team as he steps into the portal.

Raiola’s numbers

After spending two years with the Cornhuskers, Raiola is now headed for the exit door. He leaves behind a bittersweet taste on everyone’s mouths. Raiola appeared in 22 games, registering 456 completions for 4,819 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Lastly, he walks away with a 13-9 record (0-5 against ranked teams).

Still reeling from the events, the talented quarterback spoke out on social media, using a two-word message to convey his feelings about this shocking situation: “God’s Story,” Raiola reflected via his Instagram official account.

Matt Rhule’s team now faces one of its biggest challenges, having to navigate the remainder of the season without its top star, with only a few games left in the regular season.

The news no one wanted to hear

The Nebraska Cornhuskers‘ season has been dealt a major blow, as sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola will miss the remainder of the 2025 campaign. Raiola suffered a broken fibula in his lower right leg after being sacked in the third quarter of Saturday night’s loss to USC.

This significant blow immediately ends the College Football season for the starting signal-caller, who had completed 72.4% of his passes for 2,000 yards before his exit.

What’s next for Nebraska?

Nebraska’s bowl-eligible season now hinges on its ability to navigate a challenging final three games without star quarterback Dylan Raiola. True freshman TJ Lateef will be thrown into the fire as the Cornhuskers face a demanding road trip to Pasadena next week to take on UCLA at the Rose Bowl, followed by a fierce challenge on the road against Penn State.

The season then concludes with the annual rivalry showdown against Iowa back home in Lincoln. This difficult stretch—featuring two tough road contests and an intense rivalry game—will severely test the depth and resilience of Coach Matt Rhule’s squad.

The talented quarterback, one of the standout players this college football season, suffered a broken fibula during his last game and will miss at least the remainder of the season. A devastating blow for the Huskers and their aspirations.

The news was confirmed by college football insider Pete Thamel, who reported via his official X account (formerly Twitter), about this devastating blow to one of the programs with strong CFP goals.

“Sources: Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola is out for the year with a broken fibula. He suffered the injury against USC on Saturday night,” the insider reported via @PeteThamel.

Rhule took no chances

Nebraska Head Coach Matt Rhule made a tough, but ultimately principled, decision in the Cornhuskers’ heartbreaking loss to USC, pulling star quarterback Dylan Raiola after a third-quarter ankle injury.

While Raiola was reportedly desperate to re-enter the game with the score close, Rhule delivered a major admission on Dylan Raiola’s departure in Cornhuskers’ loss to USC, stating publicly that he refused to put his young signal-caller back on the field.

“I just didn’t see the respectable thing to do to put a guy out there who can’t run,” Rhule said, prioritizing Raiola’s long-term health and safety over a potential comeback win, even as the offense sputtered with the backup.

Replacing Raiola: Who will take the helm

With the devastating news that quarterback Dylan Raiola is expected to miss the remainder of the season due to a broken fibula, the Nebraska Cornhuskers will now hand the reins of the offense to true freshman TJ Lateef.

The highly-touted backup was unexpectedly thrust into action against USC, and while Head Coach Matt Rhule praised his admirable effort, Lateef will face a steep learning curve leading a Power Five offense through the final stretch of the schedule, starting with a crucial road test next week. The immediate future of the Huskers’ attack now rests entirely on the shoulders of the inexperienced QB.

The talented QB suffered an ankle injury late in the third quarter and had to be replaced by TJ Lateef. The primary backup could do little to break through the opposing defense, and the Huskers ultimately fell 21–17 at Memorial Stadium.

Speaking to the media after the game, Rhule was clear when addressing Raiola’s situation, stating that although the quarterback could have gone back in, he preferred to protect his health with the rest of the season in mind.

“From a medical perspective, they were like, ‘He can’t run,’” Rhule said. “I just didn’t see the respectable thing to do to put a guy out there who can’t run. …Really at the end of the day, I just don’t think you can put a guy out there who can’t defend himself or protect himself.

“The trainers didn’t want him to go out there, but they didn’t say, ‘No, he can’t.’ They just said he shouldn’t be out there. I told Dylan, ‘I love you too much to ask you to play when you’re hurt like this.”

Protecting Raiola for what’s ahead

Nebraska’s season outlook hinges entirely on the health of quarterback Dylan Raiola after the star suffered an ankle injury late in the loss to USC. Head Coach Matt Rhule confirmed Raiola could not run and was held out for his own protection, making his status questionable for a pivotal three-game slate to close the year.

The Huskers must now monitor their QB1 closely ahead of a difficult road trip to the Rose Bowl against UCLA next Saturday, followed by a demanding contest at Penn State, before returning home to face rival Iowa. A healthy Raiola is crucial if Nebraska hopes to secure a strong finish in a tough conference schedule.

TJ Lateef as the alternative

With the status of star QB Dylan Raiola uncertain for the upcoming road game against UCLA, all signs point to true freshman TJ Lateef taking the reins for the Huskers.

Head Coach Matt Rhule expressed confidence in Lateef, who replaced Raiola in the loss to USC. If Raiola is indeed sidelined, Lateef, a California native, will make his first career Big Ten start in the high-pressure environment of the Rose Bowl.

While it’s undeniable that the talent on this team is one of the reasons they entered the game with a 5-1 record, it was perhaps on the physical side where they struggled last weekend.

This was confirmed by Rhule himself, who took responsibility for the team’s preparation and acknowledged how their opponent clearly outperformed them physically.

“I did not have them prepared to be the more physical team,” the head coach said via Omaha World-Herald’s Sam McKewon. This was reflected, among other things, in the nine sacks allowed on Dylan Raiola — a significant event for Nebraska this season.

A night to forget

The Minnesota Golden Gophers throttled Nebraska 24-6, securing the win by absolutely controlling the line of scrimmage. Minnesota’s ground game was relentless, chewing up yardage and clock while capitalizing on a surprisingly porous Nebraska run defense.

Quarterback Dylan Raiola and the Huskers’ offense struggled to find rhythm, largely due to the Gophers’ defensive front overwhelming a shaky offensive line that allowed nine sacks. The inability of the Cornhuskers’ defense to get stops against the run proved to be the ultimate difference-maker.

What does the future hold for Matt Rhule?

The coaching carousel is spinning wildly with reports linking Nebraska Head Coach Matt Rhule to the newly opened Penn State job. Rhule, a Penn State alum with strong ties to Nittany Lions Athletic Director Pat Kraft, has emerged as a top candidate and the odds-on favorite in early speculation following James Franklin’s exit.

While Rhule has publicly stressed that Nebraska is a “destination job” and has vowed to remain focused on his current team, his carefully worded statements have done little to quell the rumors, leaving the Husker faithful anxious as the Nittany Lions’ search for a new leader gains steam.

What’s next for the Huskers?

• vs Northwestern, October 25
• vs USC, November 1
• @ UCLA, November 8
• @ Penn State, November 22
• vs Iowa, November 28

Raiola and the Cornhuskers are having none of it, however. When asked about the prospect of Rhule skipping town and heading off for Penn State, the sophomore signal-caller needed less than five words to cancel out the noise in Nebraska.

“He ain’t going anywhere,” Raiola boldly stated on the rumors around Rhule, via On3 Sports. Raiola has never been one to sugarcoat his thoughts in college football. As his head coach’s loyalty is placed under the scope, the Huskers’ quarterback didn’t stutter in his statement.

Unfazed

With the No. 25 Cornhuskers gearing up for a crucial matchup with the Minnesota Golden Gophers on the road, Raiola wasn’t having any of the outside buzz. Thus, he took it upon himself to clear up any doubt on Rhule and his commitment to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

“[The rumors] don’t faze him at all,” Raiola added. “It’s just some people stirring things up. He’s as locked in as ever on this football game. I just had to make sure everybody knew that that’s our head coach and he’s staying right here.”

Back at it

Following Nebraska’s first road win of the 2025 NCAA season (though it won at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bearcats) over the Maryland Terrapins, Raiola and the Huskers must do it again in Minneapolis.

The matchup with the Golden Gophers is crucial in more ways than one. Nebraska enters the game on Friday at 5-1 (2-1 in the Big Ten). Meanwhile, Minnesota may boast a 4-2 record, but it shares the same mark as the Huskers within the conference.

On the rise

Raiola will look to maintain his red-hot form and build on his stellar campaign. So far, he has thrown for 138 completions (tied for 2nd in the Big Ten), 1,591 yards (5th), and 16 touchdown passes (2nd).

However, his five interceptions are tied for third-worst in the league, making it an area Rhule will surely want to address going forward. In tight matchups against conference opponents, limiting turnovers can be the difference between winning and losing. Moreover, those wins and losses could be the X-factor in keeping Rhule in Lincoln rather than considering a job in State College.

Ever since it was brought up, it’s never been let go by college football fans. Raiola does look a lot like Mahomes, and has definitely taken up a thing or two from the face of the NFL.

However, there’s more to Raiola’s game than his kinship to Mahomes. Now, the Cornhuskers‘ quarterback has made sure to address the hysteria around him with a bold comment. “I can’t be mad at God for making me look like him,” Dylan Raiola answered back on claims of him copying Mahomes, per CBS Sports.

Chief Kingdom

As if fans didn’t think Raiola looked enough like Mahomes, the Cornhuskers will kickoff their 2025 college football campaign in Kansas City. Nebraska will go toe-to-toe with the Cincinnati Bearcats at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on August 28.

“It’ll be different,” Raiola said about playing at Arrowhead, via Sports Illustrated. “Normally, I’m going down there to have a good time, watch some good ball. This is a little different mission to go down there and win a football game. Obviously, my mindset will be different. The guys will be juiced up and ready to go on both sides of the ball.”

Learning from the master

The eyes of the nation will be upon the Huskers and Bearcats as they set to do battle in one of the most iconic football venues. Arrowhead has been home to countless memorable showdowns, and neither program wants to fall short of expectations.

On that note, Raiola has taken every precaution before rushing out of the tunnel. As the sophomore QB admitted, he asked Mahomes for any advice or heads-up on the playing surface. “[Mahomes] said no,” Raiola stated. “He said it’s in perfect shape.“

Without further ado, the clock is ticking for the Cornhuskers and Bearcats to face each other in Kansas City on Thursday, August the 28th at 9:00 pm ET. Now, it’s up to Raiola to rise to the occasion and guide his program to victory in the 2025 NCAA season opener.

While athletic performance is one of the most crucial factors for achieving good results, the human element also plays a significant role. Interpersonal relationships are often decisive, which is why the QB and his head coach must maintain the best possible terms.

In a recent interview with Hail Varsity, Raiola opened up about his relationship with Rhule in recent times, describing it as a strong bond that’s giving many in the program reason to be optimistic.

“Our relationship is special,” he said. “Right now, me and him are like closer than we’ve ever been, and it’s pretty unique. I never thought I’d have a relationship like this with the head coach, especially in college.

“But, at the time [of my commitment], it was, ‘Come in. Earn your stripes. Earn your teammates’ trust and respect, and we could do something very hard but very worth it.’ His Year 3, my Year 2, we’re ready to go. It’s exciting.”

Rhule’s clear objective

The Nebraska Cornhuskers know what it means to win a National Championship, though recent history has seen that goal slip further from reach. Matt Rhule, a coach with plenty of experience, understands that it’s time to bring the program back into the national spotlight.

“I want to get to the College Football Playoff,” he said on the first episode of House Rhules. “I mean, that’s why we’re doing all this, right? Like, you’re doing all of this to have a chance to get to the College Football Playoff. And so I think what’s really unique, what’s interesting is, like, you look at Ohio State last year, my boy Ryan Day, former Temple Owl Ryan Day, right … When was the last time you lose the last game of the regular season you can make it into the playoffs? It’s never happened before. You can finish 10-2 … and the great job he did of getting him into the playoffs.

“And so for me, what I saw last year was like, hey, just get your guys to the tournament. So that’s our goal. Man, like, I mean, we want to be a great team. We want to win every game, we want to make people proud. We want to play the game the right way. There’s a lot of other things, but, you know, I’d be lying if I didn’t say that. We want to go to the CFP, because once you get in, man, who knows what can happen? It’s the team that’s the hottest that makes it happen.”

Nebraska’s first challenges

Aiming to start the upcoming NCAAF season on the right foot, these are the first challenges the Cornhuskers will have to overcome if they hope to emerge as contenders.

• vs Cincinnati, August 28
• vs Akron, September 6
• vs Houston Christian, September 13
• vs Michigan, September 20
• vs Michigan State, October 4

Often criticized and under heavy scrutiny for being somewhat of a copycat of Mahomes, Raiola has proven his worth in the football field. More specifically at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln.

The 2024 NCAA season started off with a bang for Raiola, Matt Rhule, and the Cornhuskers, but ran out of gas around the midpoint of the campaign. Still, Raiola showcased a lot of skill and room to grow in only his first year in college football. However, many remain reluctant to take him seriously because of his open idolization of Mahomes. Once one looks past that, it’s impossible to miss the talented quarterback in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Fans across the nation could be in for a rude awakening as Raiola and the Huskers gear up for the upcoming season. Ahead of the season opener on Aug. 28 against the Cincinnati Bearcats, Nebraska offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen issued a blunt admission about Raiola. Perhaps the QB has adopted more from Mahomes than just his personality and appearance.

“So his leadership is outstanding. The play is fantastic. He’s making throws that I’ve never seen before, to be honest with you,” Holgorsen stated, as reported by On3. “So I mean, he’s in a good spot, he’s ready for game day.“

How fitting

Raiola and Mahomes have often practiced together in the offseason. Therefore, it wouldn’t come as a shock to see the Huskers’ QB trying out some of the throws the Kansas City Chiefs’ signal caller has pulled off in the NFL. There might be no better place for Raiola to put the college football landscape on notice than the season opener.

When the Huskers take on the Bearcats on August 28, Raiola will play in a stadium he’s never played in before, but still feels comfortable in. Nebraska and Cincinnati will open the season in no other place than GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Raiola will have a chance to make a statement on the place that’s home to Mahomes and the Chiefs on Sundays.

Back in town

The last time Raiola visited Arrowhead was on January 26, 2025, when the Chiefs defeated the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game. The Huskers’ quarterback was in attendance in Kansas City. Moreover, he even joined the post-game celebrations in the locker room afterwards.

Now, the 20-year-old will look to create his own magic and claim a triumph of his own to kick off the 2025 college football season. Raiola has done a great job drawing the spotlight onto Nebraska, but now it’s time to put on a show to keep it there.

Offensive lineman Rocco Spindler, after entering the Transfer Portal, will ultimately join Matt Rhule‘s squad, seeking a fresh start in his career. During his time with the Irish, Spindler played 1,325 snaps and still has one year of eligibility remaining.

The news was confirmed by college football insider Pete Nakos, who, via his official X (formerly Twitter) account @PeteNakos_, reported the arrival of the OL to assist Raiola in improving his last campaign.

“Notre Dame transfer offensive lineman Rocco Spindler has committed to Nebraska, his agency @netsportsmgmt tells @On3sports. Picked the Cornhuskers over Indiana, Pitt and Virginia,” Nakos stated.

Having had an excellent campaign last season, several programs are now setting their sights on Notre Dame players. Freeman will need to strengthen his roster again if he hopes to make another run at the championship game.

Spindler’s replacement at Notre Dame

While Rocco Spindler’s departure is a significant loss for the Fighting Irish, recent reports reveal that an offensive lineman has committed to Marcus Freeman’s team for the upcoming season.

Tyler Merrill becomes the new face of Notre Dame, turning down offers from Clemson, Alabama, Wisconsin, and in-state Penn State. The news was reported by college football insider Hayes Fawcett through his official X account.

“BREAKING: Four-Star IOL Tyler Merrill has Committed to Notre Dame, he tells me for @on3recruits. The 6’5 320 IOL from Mechanicsburg, PA chose the Fighting Irish over Alabama, Clemson, & Penn State. Go Irish,” Fawcett stated.

Chris Ash is joining Freeman’s staff

Not all news is bad for Marcus Freeman. In recent hours, it was announced that Chris Ash will join his staff as the new defensive coordinator for Notre Dame. Following the announcement, Freeman shared a message with the press about the addition.

“Chris’ experience of coordinating and leading great defensive units at multiple places really resonated with me,” Freeman started. “His experience both in the NFL and as a head coach are valuable assets he can bring to our program. Chris has a great reputation of being a coach who builds strong relationships, while simultaneously developing his players, and that makes him a great fit for this role.”