Nebraska QB Troubles Mount as Dylan Raiola Rehabs and Brother Dayton Decommits

Nebraska’s quarterback room has been hit hard in recent weeks, both on and off the field. Starter Dylan Raiola suffered a broken fibula against USC, ending his season and leaving the Huskers scrambling to maintain offensive consistency.

Backup TJ Lateef has stepped in to guide the team down the stretch, but Nebraska’s offensive production has noticeably dipped since Raiola’s injury. The challenge of holding the offense together has placed additional pressure on a team already navigating a turbulent 2025 campaign.

The ripple effects extend beyond the current roster. Three-star 2026 quarterback Dayton Raiola, Dylan’s younger brother, recently decommitted from Nebraska just weeks ahead of the early signing period, reopening his recruitment and leaving a high-profile spot in the class suddenly unfilled.

Dayton, a 6-foot-1, 225-pound prospect from Buford, Georgia, had originally chosen the Huskers over Charlotte and Appalachian State. His decommitment adds uncertainty to Nebraska’s quarterback depth chart and recruiting outlook, complicating head coach Matt Rhule’s efforts to stabilize the program.

1. Impact on the Current Season

Dylan Raiola’s injury has significantly affected Nebraska’s offensive rhythm. The team’s promising season momentum stalled after his exit in the USC game, forcing TJ Lateef to assume the starting role under challenging circumstances. Lateef has shown competence, but maintaining production without the team’s primary signal-caller has proven difficult. Nebraska’s offensive line, receiving corps, and coaching staff have had to adjust quickly to protect Lateef and sustain drives. Raiola’s absence underscores the importance of depth at the quarterback position. Without a healthy starter, Nebraska must rely on game planning, tempo management, and situational adjustments to remain competitive in the final games of the season. Coach Matt Rhule has expressed strong support for Raiola, emphasizing player safety and long-term development. After the USC game, Rhule noted that medical staff advised against risking further injury, a decision highlighting the team’s focus on player welfare.

2. Recruiting Fallout

Dayton Raiola’s decommitment adds another layer of complexity. Once considered a cornerstone of Nebraska’s 2026 class, Dayton is now one of Georgia’s top uncommitted quarterbacks, boasting over 3,600 passing yards and 43 touchdowns across the past two seasons at Buford High School. Rated outside the national blue-chip tier, Dayton remains a highly productive and intriguing prospect, capable of leading a program at the next level. Nebraska’s loss of his commitment has immediate implications for the depth chart and long-term planning at the position. The timing of the decommitment—weeks before early signing—puts urgency on Rhule and his staff to recruit and secure a quarterback for the class. Balancing immediate depth needs with future roster stability is now a pressing priority. Rhule’s public support for Dylan underscores the program’s commitment to the current starter, but it also emphasizes the dual challenge of managing both player development and recruiting continuity in a high-stakes environment.

3. Looking Ahead

Nebraska faces a difficult closing schedule while juggling uncertainty at quarterback. With Dylan rehabbing and Dayton now uncommitted, the Huskers must rely on coaching adjustments, game planning, and Lateef’s ability to perform under pressure. Stabilizing the position for the 2026 season will be critical. Rhule’s staff must act quickly to rebuild recruiting momentum and reassure prospects that Nebraska remains a desirable destination for elite quarterbacks. Success in the remaining games and strong recruiting responses will be essential to maintaining confidence among fans, players, and recruits alike. The team’s ability to navigate adversity in real time could define the trajectory of the program heading into next season. Strategic decisions, careful management of player health, and proactive recruiting efforts will determine whether Nebraska can overcome the quarterback challenges and remain competitive both now and in the near future.