The comparisons between Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola and Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes have always been fun for football fans, and after Saturday, they feel more justified than ever.
From their shared jersey number, 15, and similar hairstyles to the way they move on the field, Raiola has drawn attention since high school. He even works with Mahomes’ trainer and has a friendly relationship with the NFL star, who has publicly praised him.
Raiola says the similarities aren’t intentional, but it’s hard to ignore the resemblance, both in looks and in play style. After one play against No. 21 Michigan Saturday, though, they’re even more obvious.
Dylan Raiola’s First Half Hail Mary Versus Michigan Spark Fan Buzz
Saturday’s game against Michigan added another memorable moment to the story. Nebraska was down 17-10 at halftime, and instead of a typical end-of-half play, Raiola launched a jaw-dropping 52-yard Hail Mary from his own 48-yard line.
Wide receiver Jacory Barney Jr. caught it in the end zone, sending the crowd and social media into a frenzy.
HAIL MARY TOUCHDOWN TO END THE HALF!!!
RAIOLA TO BARNEY.
“Just like they drew it up” pic.twitter.com/BZcx5B2WS6
— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) September 20, 2025
Fans had fun leaning into the Mahomes comparison. “Successful Hail Mary’s: Dylan Raiola – 1, Patrick Mahomes – 0,” wrote one.
Successful Hail Mary’s
Dylan Raiola – 1
Patrick Mahomes – 0pic.twitter.com/kfOXZnNKAF— Hard Rock Bet (@HardRockBet) September 20, 2025
Others chimed in, “Dylan Raiola. Hail Mary. Patrick Mahomes could never 😉.”
Dylan Raiola. Hail Mary.
Patrick Mahomes could never 😉
— Oliver Hodgkinson (@hodgkinsonsport) September 20, 2025
Another is now convinced both players are the same. “Ok Dylan Raiola might be Patrick Mahomes.”
Ok Dylan raiola might be Patrick mahomes
— Mondy🥇 (@m0ndyyyyy) September 20, 2025
Even Underdog tweeted, “Dylan Raiola Hail Mary to end the half. Clearly better than Mahomes.”
Dylan Raiola Hail Mary to end the half.
Clearly better than Mahomes. pic.twitter.com/8RZixx1AIF
— Underdog (@Underdog) September 20, 2025
Raiola may downplay the comparisons, but after a moment like that, it’s hard not to see the Mahomes magic in Nebraska’s young quarterback.
MORE: Is Dylan Raiola Related to NFL Star Patrick Mahomes? Full Story Behind the Lookalikes’ Connection
Now in the third quarter, the Cornuskers and No. 21 Wolverines remain tied at 17 in Lincoln, Nebraska on CBS. A win for the ‘Huskers would be the biggest in the Matt Rhule era, while a win for Michigan would mean the team remained perfect in HC Sherrone Moore’s two-game suspension.
