In December 2023, Nebraska coach Matt Rhule scored perhaps his most significant win yet by signing 5-Star quarterback Dylan Raiola.
Raiola was a top prep quarterback and a consensus 5-Star recruit who was previously committed to one of the country’s elite programs.
How Did Dylan Raiola Become a Husker?
The journey that led him to Nebraska involved several twists, connecting his family ties and earlier commitments.
Raiola committed to Georgia in May 2023. As one of the nation’s top programs, it was thought he’d stick with the Dawgs despite ties to Nebraska.
Raiola’s father, Dominic, was an All-American and Rimington Trophy winner at the University of Nebraska before embarking on a long NFL career. The Huskers’ most significant edge might have been Raiola’s uncle, Donovan, who coached their offensive line.
These factors led Raiola to enroll with the Huskers in 2024, and he’s started most of the last two seasons.
Despite earning a bowl bid, Nebraska’s season ultimately fell short of expectations. They lost three of their last four games after a 6-2 start, finishing with a 7-5 record.
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In a 21-17 loss to USC, Raiola suffered a season-ending broken fibula requiring surgery. He was hurt in the third quarter and replaced by freshman TJ Lateef. Despite losses, Lateef showed flashes of promise.
For the 2024 season, Raiola completed 181 of 250 passes for 2,000 yards, 18 touchdowns, and six interceptions, helping Nebraska achieve a PFSN CFB OFFi mark of 80.3 and a B- grade.
These events have led to speculation that Raiola may have played his last game for the Huskers. Nebraska’s latest move has fueled this talk.
With Donovan Raiola Out, Is Dylan Raiola Next?
On Saturday, Nebraska announced it was firing Donovan Raiola after four seasons as offensive line coach.
Nebraska has fired offensive line coach Donovan Raiola, per @GregSmithRivals
Donovan Raiola is Dylan Raiola’s Uncle 👀 pic.twitter.com/OXy807MSpY
— SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) December 6, 2025
“I informed Donovan Raiola today that he will not be retained as our offensive line coach,” Rhule said via a press release. “We thank Donovan for his contributions to Nebraska football over the past four years and wish him the best moving forward.”
Raiola’s younger brother Dayton, a three-star quarterback in the 2026 class, decommitted from Nebraska in November, increasing talk that his older brother could leave too.
Addressing this speculation, Rhule said he had “no knowledge” of rumors regarding the younger Raiola’s departure.
“I love Dylan like I love all my guys,” Rhule said. “He’s in there doing treatment right now. So I don’t know about that.”
With many teams seeking quarterbacks when the transfer portal opens on January 2, Raiola would be a top target if he enters.
