Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola has been no stranger to the spotlight since stepping onto the college football stage. After an impressive freshman season in 2024, Raiola has not only drawn comparisons to Kansas City Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes, but he’s also revealed a new mentorship connection with NFL legend Tom Brady.
Patrick Mahomes Comparisons: “It Ain’t Cap. It’s Real Love”
The revelation came during a recent team conversation shared by the official @HuskerFootball account, where Raiola opened up about the growing influence of two of the greatest quarterbacks in football.
“It ain’t cap. It’s real love.” 🗣️@HuskerFootball QB Dylan Raiola discussed his relationship with Patrick Mahomes w/ his teammates pic.twitter.com/66fKISBxdr
— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) August 25, 2025
As the face of Nebraska’s future, Raiola has been linked to Mahomes for his arm talent and creativity on the field. When asked about those comparisons, Raiola explained that his admiration for Mahomes goes beyond highlights and social media chatter.
“It ain’t cap. It’s real love,” Raiola told his teammates, confirming that the respect is genuine. While still early in his career, Raiola has already demonstrated some Mahomes-like qualities, particularly his ability to extend plays and make accurate throws under pressure.
Mahomes, a two-time NFL MVP and three-time Super Bowl champion, represents the modern blueprint for quarterback excellence. For Raiola, those comparisons raise expectations but also serve as motivation to push his development further.
Tom Brady Steps in as a Mentor
Perhaps the most surprising detail Raiola shared was his budding relationship with another all-time great: Brady.
“I just started recently connecting with Tom Brady,” Raiola revealed in the same video clip. While still in its early stages, the mentorship offers Raiola access to one of the sharpest minds in football history. Brady’s resume includes seven Super Bowl rings, three MVP awards, and an unmatched reputation for preparation, discipline, and leadership.
Dylan Raiola says he can’t help the Mahomes comparisons 😭🤷♂️
(Via @CBSSportsCFB) pic.twitter.com/3DNXaCJS43
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 25, 2025
For Raiola, Brady’s influence could be transformative. While Mahomes represents improvisational brilliance, Brady embodies consistency, mental toughness, and longevity. The chance to learn from both styles provides Raiola with a rare and invaluable developmental edge.
Dylan Raiola’s Record-Breaking Freshman Campaign
The excitement around Raiola isn’t just about potential. It’s backed by production. As a true freshman in 2024, Raiola won Nebraska’s starting quarterback job and started all 13 games. He completed 67.1 percent of his passes (275-for-410) for 2,819 yards and 13 touchdowns.
His passing yardage marked the most ever by a Nebraska freshman, while his completion percentage also set a freshman record. Nationally, Raiola led all FBS freshmen in completion percentage and ranked third among all freshmen in passing yards.
His accolades included being named a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award, Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors, and recognition on Nebraska’s Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll and the Tom Osborne Citizenship Team.
KEEP READING: Dylan Raiola Reveals One Exchange With Patrick Mahomes That Changed Their Relationship
With Mahomes serving as an inspiration and Brady stepping in as a mentor, Raiola finds himself in a unique position to absorb lessons from two of the greatest quarterbacks in history. As he prepares for his sophomore season, Nebraska fans can expect continued growth from the young signal-caller who has already etched his name in the record books.
For Raiola, the combination of record-breaking talent and elite mentorship may be just the beginning of a storied college, and eventually professional, career.
