Dylan Railoa, a former five-star quarterback recruit, enters his sophomore year at Nebraska this season with high expectations after a solid freshman campaign in 2024. While his talent makes him an exciting prospect, Railoa is also known for his connection with Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and he recently shared how their close relationship developed.
Dylan Raiola Reveals Key Moment That Built Bond With Patrick Mahomes
Raiola is an extremely talented quarterback coming off an up-and-down freshman season with the Cornhuskers in 2024, during which he threw for 2,819 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
While his on-field performance occasionally drew attention, Raiola became best known for his similarities to Mahomes. He often dressed like Mahomes before games, followed the same pregame rituals, wears the same number, and shares a similar playing style with the NFL star.
Dylan Raiola back with the Mahomes pregame ritual pic.twitter.com/J1kxIP8RzY
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 14, 2024
It’s not just admiration that drives Raiola to play, dress, and act like Mahomes, he has actually built a friendship with the Chiefs quarterback.
In a recent interview with “Hail University,” Raiola explained that during their second meeting, it was Mahomes who asked for his number. Since then, the three-time Super Bowl champion has become a mentor for Raiola.
“I came back to Texas later that month, and I saw him again, and he gave me his number,” Railoa said. “And that was kinda shook me up because I was like, I should be asking him for his number, but he gave it to me, and I’m just so grateful for that to add to another guy I can reach out to for advice.”
Raiola has sometimes been accused of trying too hard to be like the Chiefs’ superstar, but fans often forget that he is just 20 years old and looks up to NFL players like any other young athlete.
Mahomes has clearly had a major impact on the young quarterback’s career, and there are few better mentors than the best quarterback in the NFL.
The former No. 7 overall player in the 2024 recruiting class enters 2025 with plenty to improve upon from his freshman season, but he has the talent to become one of the top quarterbacks in the country. With Mahomes as a mentor, there’s a strong chance he will take a significant step forward in his sophomore year.
Raiola and Nebraska open the season on Thursday, August 28, against Cincinnati in Arrowhead Stadium, the home of the Kansas City Chiefs. Given the friendship between the two quarterbacks, it would not be surprising if Mahomes is in attendance to cheer Raiola on.
