Former Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola made headlines when he decided to join the Oregon Ducks via the transfer portal, despite the return of Dante Moore to Eugene for an extra season in college football. Raiola was a two-year starter for the Cornhuskers but would likely have to settle for a backup role behind Moore next season.
Raiola is a former five-star prospect who committed to the Georgia Bulldogs before flipping his commitment to Nebraska and finally joining Oregon.
Why Dylan Raiola Switched to Marcus Mariota’s Iconic No. 8 Jersey
After arriving in Eugene, Raiola has taken the legendary No. 8 worn by program legend Marcus Mariota, who is the only Oregon player to have ever won the prestigious Heisman Trophy. The iconic jersey was also worn by Dillon Gabriel during his one-year Oregon career before departing for the NFL.
During Saturday’s segment of the “Meet The Flock” podcast, Raiola revealed why he ditched his No. 15 jersey, which he wore for most of his career as a tribute to Patrick Mahomes, in favor of the No. 8.
“I’m from Hawaii,” Raiola said. “I lived there about nine years. Nine or 10 years, so I call that home. I always go back there and visit. The last two people, if you look at it, [who] wore (No. 8) were Dillon Gabriel and Marcus Mariota, so before I even thought about wearing it, I called Dillon, and I asked him.”
“And then I actually asked him if I could have Marcus’s number, and I called Marcus and I was blessed with the opportunity to wear it.”
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Raiola has become renowned for idolizing Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, including incorporating the NFL star’s fashion sense and game celebrations.
While speaking to reporters after spring practice on March 12, coach Dan Lanning revealed Raiola’s injury status and lavished praise on the former Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback’s talent.
“Yeah, he’s working. He was able to practice with us today,” Lanning said. “We’re being conscientious of where he’s at as he comes back, but he’s pushing. He’s coming to 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’s continuing to grow.”
Raiola’s sophomore season was interrupted by a broken fibula sustained against the USC Trojans on Nov. 1. He earned a PFSN College QB Impact score of 77.1 after tallying 2,000 passing yards, resulting in 18 touchdowns and 6 interceptions for the Cornhuskers last season.
