Nebraska Prepares for Possible Departure of Quarterback Dylan Raiola

The Nebraska Cornhuskers are confronting another potential upheaval at quarterback, with speculation mounting over Dylan Raiola’s future in Lincoln. As the 2025 regular season nears its conclusion, the buzz around Raiola entering the college football transfer portal has intensified.

The situation gained additional attention after Dylan’s brother, Dayton Raiola, decommitted from Nebraska last week. The timing has fueled rumors that Dylan could follow suit, prompting the program to begin preparing for the possibility of his departure, according to Chris Hummer of CBS Sports.

Hummer reported on social media that sources within the program have expressed doubt about Dylan’s long-term plans at Nebraska, indicating that staff members are bracing for him to explore opportunities elsewhere. The program appears to be approaching the situation cautiously, given his importance to the offense.

Adding to the uncertainty is the silence of Dylan’s father, Dominic Raiola, who has declined to comment publicly on the transfer speculation. Without clarification from the family, the question of Dylan’s next move remains unresolved as Nebraska navigates the final game of the season.

1. Injury Complications

Dylan Raiola’s potential transfer comes on the heels of a significant injury sustained during the Cornhuskers’ 21-17 loss to No. 23 USC on Nov. 1. He suffered a lower-body injury, later diagnosed as a broken fibula, which ruled him out for the remainder of the season. The injury adds a layer of complexity to his situation, as it prevents him from finishing the 2025 campaign and raises questions about his immediate playing prospects at Nebraska. Whether his rehabilitation timeline could influence a transfer decision remains a topic of discussion among analysts and scouts. Raiola’s absence on the field has left Nebraska without its starting quarterback in the final stretch, forcing the team to adjust its offensive plans. The injury may also affect his draft stock and development if he ultimately moves to another program. The combination of injury and potential transfer creates a challenging scenario for both Raiola and the Cornhuskers, who must prepare for life without their leading passer.

2. Performance and Development

Before the injury, Raiola was on pace to surpass his freshman-year passing yardage of 2,819 yards. In nine games during 2025, he totaled 2,000 passing yards with 18 touchdowns and only six interceptions—a notable improvement from his 13-touchdown, 11-interception campaign in 2024. Raiola’s growth as a quarterback coincided with Nebraska’s overall team success, highlighted by the program’s first bowl game victory since 2015. His development has been critical to the Cornhuskers’ resurgence and offensive consistency. Despite missing the final games, Raiola’s statistical output demonstrates his potential and value as a starting quarterback in the Big Ten and nationally. These numbers also make him an attractive prospect for other programs should he explore the transfer portal. The improvement from 2024 to 2025 indicates that Raiola is continuing to refine his game, making the potential loss even more significant for Nebraska’s future offensive plans.

3. Program Implications

Nebraska must now consider contingency plans for the quarterback position, both in the short term and for future seasons. Whether Raiola decides to transfer or remain, the coaching staff will need to develop depth and evaluate potential replacements. The timing of his possible departure also affects recruiting, as prospects may weigh the uncertainty at the quarterback position when considering Nebraska. Ensuring program stability will be a priority for head coach Matt Rhule and his staff. If Raiola does transfer, it would continue a trend of high-profile quarterback movement in college football, underscoring the importance of roster flexibility and long-term planning for programs like Nebraska. Ultimately, the Cornhuskers must balance support for Raiola’s personal and professional decisions with the practical needs of maintaining a competitive team for the 2026 season and beyond.