When Nebraska Cornhuskers’ head coach Matt Rhule persuaded 5-Star legacy quarterback Dylan Raiola to choose the Huskers over the Georgia Bulldogs, expectations soared.
However, Raiola will transfer from Nebraska, and Rhule is now searching for a replacement.
Dylan Raiola on the Move
Both Raiola’s father and uncle played for Nebraska. His father, Dominic, earned All-American honors, won the Rimington Trophy, and enjoyed a long NFL career with the Detroit Lions. His uncle, Donovan, coached Nebraska’s offensive line and left the program after the 2025 season.
Although Donovan’s firing was not the only reason Raiola left Nebraska, it likely influenced his decision to transfer.
Raiola’s younger brother, Dayton, a 3-Star QB in the 2026 class, also decommitted. He has not decided on his future and may wait to see where his brother lands.
Raiola completed 181 of 250 passes for 2,000 yards, 18 touchdowns, and six interceptions this season. He helped Nebraska earn a PFSN CFB OFFi mark of 80.3 and a B- grade, as well as a personal PFSN CFB QB Impact score of 77.1 and a C- grade.
Raiola started every game as a true freshman in 2024, set Nebraska’s freshman passing record with 2,819 yards, and led the team to its first bowl win since 2015 against Boston College.
Raiola should have no problem finding a new home. Raiola suffered a season-ending broken fibula when he was sacked in the third quarter during a loss to USC. He was replaced by freshman TJ Lateef.
Though Nebraska wishes things worked out with Raiola, it appears the Huskers have their next quarterback.
Matt Rhule, Nebraska Turn to Notre Dame for Next Quarterback
Lateef filled in well for Raiola, completing 74 of 123 passes for 904 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception, while rushing for 120 yards and four touchdowns. His PFSN CFB QB Impact score was 76.0 (grade C), but he went just 1-3 as a starter. Although Lateef earned praise from teammates, Rhule apparently does not view him as ready to lead.
As a result, Rhule and the Huskers are now looking to a former Notre Dame signal-caller to help take them to the next level. After some speculation, it was reported that Kenny Minchey was Nebraska’s top target, and it looks like they wasted no time wrapping this one up.
ESPN’s Max Olson and Pete Thamel report that Minchey has committed to Nebraska.
Nebraska has its portal quarterback. Kenny Minchey tells ESPN he’s committed to Nebraska. https://t.co/eiCYYq2un4
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 4, 2026
Minchey was a 4-Star prospect from Pope John Paul II in Hendersonville, Tennessee, with early interest from Pittsburgh, Houston, Michigan State, Tennessee, and others.
Minchey saw little playing time in 2023 or 2024 and, after losing the starting job to C.J. Carr before 2025, decided to transfer.
Minchey went 20 of 26 for 196 yards last season and attempted just three passes over his first two years. He appears to fit well with the Huskers. After Carr’s productive first year at Notre Dame, Minchey’s move seems beneficial for both sides.
Stay updated on all Notre Dame transfer developments with our Transfer Portal Tracker as the program navigates a critical offseason.
