Monday proved to be a tough day for Nebraska after reports surfaced that Dylan Raiola plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal this offseason. The decision wasn’t entirely unexpected, especially after his younger brother, Dayton Raiola, previously decommitted from the program.
Nebraska also fired Raiola’s uncle, Donovan Raiola, who had been the Cornhuskers’ offensive line coach.
Dylan Raiola’s Transfer Portal Choice Draws Honest Reactions From Former Teammates
Raiola served as Nebraska’s starting quarterback for two seasons and formed strong relationships with his Huskers teammates along the way. After word spread that he plans to enter the transfer portal, Nebraska offensive lineman Tyler Knaak shared his thoughts on the situation.
“Some guys took it really hard,” Knaak said on Tuesday. “He was really close to the OL. He was really close with the offensive unit. Him and his family, they’re making the best decisions for themselves. We saw Dayton de-commit a while back, and now we see Dylan going into the portal. So whatever they want to do, I know God will be on their side, and the best decision for them is going to be what they make.
“They’re not going to make a quick response decision. They’re going to put a lot of thought into it. They’re a thoughtful family. Wish the best for him, but as a team we’ve got to move on, move forward.”
Nebraska running back Mekhi Nelson said he grew close to Raiola in two seasons and looked up to the quarterback. But with news of Raiola’s decision to leave Nebraska, Nelson said:
“To be honest, it’s next guy up. At the end of the day, it’s a business.”
Raiola suffered a season-ending right fibula injury this year. Prior to the injury, he completed 72.4% of his passes for 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns, with just six interceptions.
Nebraska finished the season 7-5 and currently sits at No. 56 in the PFSN College Football Playoff Meter. The Huskers are scheduled to take on 10-2 Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl on New Year’s Eve.
Nebraska wide receiver Dane Key is one of many to urge that Nebraska must move on for the sake of the program.
“What Dylan had to do was what he and his family believed was best for himself,” Key said. “This team will continue to move forward. No hard feelings. Everybody knows the business in today’s age of college football. So, everybody is super excited for him to go out there and do what’s best for him.”
Raiola completed 67.1% of his passes, recording 2,819 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in his freshman season with Nebraska in 2024. With his departure, Nebraska is expected to shift its focus toward freshman TJ Lateef as a potential starting quarterback moving forward.
