Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola Out for Season With Broken Fibula After Loss to USC

Nebraska football’s 2025 season took a dramatic turn Saturday night in Los Angeles. The Cornhuskers entered their matchup with USC hoping to rejuvenate their postseason push after a turbulent start, but instead left with their starting quarterback lost for the year. Dylan Raiola, the highly touted sophomore who had been the centerpiece of Nebraska’s offense, suffered a broken fibula in the second half and was ruled out for the remainder of the season, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

Before the injury, Nebraska had led for much of the game, controlling tempo and showing flashes of the team many believed could contend for a Big Ten title. But after Raiola went down, the offense stalled. Backup quarterback TJ Lateef struggled to establish rhythm against USC’s pressure, and the Trojans rallied for a 21–17 comeback win.

The loss dropped Nebraska to 6–3 on the year, ending any realistic hopes of returning to the College Football Playoff conversation. What began as a promising season has now shifted to damage control, with bowl positioning the new goal for a team that had aspirations of competing on the national stage.

Head coach Matt Rhule confirmed after the game that Raiola’s injury occurred on a scramble play in the third quarter. “From a medical perspective, they were like, ‘He can’t run,’” Rhule said. “I just didn’t see the respectable thing to do to put a guy out there who can’t run or protect himself.”

1. Rhule Defends Decision to Hold Raiola Out

As the second half unfolded, some Nebraska fans questioned why Raiola didn’t attempt to return to the field. But Rhule’s postgame comments provided clarity — and underscored his emphasis on player safety. The head coach explained that the team’s medical staff advised against Raiola returning, even before the full extent of the injury was known. “The trainers didn’t want him to go out there, but they didn’t say, ‘No, he can’t,’” Rhule said. “They just said he shouldn’t be out there. I told Dylan, ‘I love you too much to ask you to play when you’re hurt like this.’” His remarks were met with support from both players and fans once it became clear Raiola had suffered a serious break. The decision ultimately protected Raiola from aggravating the injury — one that will now require several months of recovery. It also highlighted Rhule’s leadership in balancing competitiveness with long-term player welfare, a principle he’s emphasized since taking over at Nebraska. With Raiola sidelined, Nebraska will turn to Lateef to finish out the season. The freshman now faces the daunting task of leading the offense through critical late-season road games against UCLA and Penn State, both of which will have major implications for the Cornhuskers’ bowl standing.

2. Raiola’s Impact and What Comes Next

Despite the abrupt end to his sophomore campaign, Raiola’s impact on Nebraska’s program remains significant. The former five-star recruit completed his season with 2,000 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and six interceptions — strong numbers that underscored his development as a leader and playmaker. His growth had been one of the key reasons Nebraska rebounded from a shaky start to secure bowl eligibility early in the year. Raiola’s injury, though devastating, offers an opportunity for Lateef to gain valuable experience heading into next season. Rhule and his staff are expected to simplify the offense to fit Lateef’s skill set while leaning more heavily on the running game and short passing routes to keep drives alive. Meanwhile, Raiola’s focus now shifts to recovery. He is expected to be ready for the 2026 season, where he will enter as one of the Big Ten’s most experienced quarterbacks. His absence, however, leaves a major leadership gap for the final stretch of 2025 — one that Nebraska must quickly fill if it hopes to finish the season strong. The injury also serves as a reminder of how thin the margin can be for programs striving to rejoin the national elite. For a team that once had playoff hopes, the coming weeks will test its depth, resilience, and identity under Rhule’s guidance.

3. Season Outlook and Adjustments Ahead

At 6–3, Nebraska still controls its postseason fate, but the road forward has become significantly steeper. The Cornhuskers will likely need to rely on defense and special teams to stay competitive as Lateef adjusts to the speed of Big Ten play. Offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield has already hinted at introducing more motion and quick passes to compensate for Raiola’s absence. The upcoming matchups against UCLA and Penn State will serve as major tests for both Lateef and Rhule. A strong finish could still position Nebraska for a respectable bowl bid and provide a crucial confidence boost heading into next year. For fans, the shift in expectations has been abrupt but not unfamiliar. The Cornhuskers have spent much of the past decade rebuilding, and Raiola’s injury represents yet another hurdle in their climb back to national relevance. Still, Rhule’s leadership and the team’s competitive spirit have kept optimism alive within the program. If Nebraska can rally around its young quarterback and close out the season on a high note, it could lay the groundwork for a deeper run in 2026 — with Raiola healthy and the offense fully matured.