Nebraska Set to Part Ways with Donovan Raiola Amid Dylan Raiola’s Injury and Transfer Speculation

Nebraska football is entering a turbulent offseason after a 7-5 season ended with consecutive blowout losses to Penn State and Iowa. Head coach Matt Rhule, recently extended through 2032, has already fired defensive coordinator John Butler and handed the team’s bowl game to interim Phil Snow while seeking a new long-term defensive leader.

Amid this reshuffling, the program is now turning attention to the offensive staff. Sources from Rivals and On3 report that offensive line coach Donovan Raiola, who has guided Nebraska’s line since 2022, will be let go. Donovan’s departure is particularly notable as he is the uncle of the team’s starting quarterback, Dylan Raiola.

The timing and familial connection add complexity to the move. Dylan, already sidelined by a fractured fibula suffered on Nov. 1 against USC, faces not only physical rehabilitation but also the uncertainty of losing one of his closest on-staff supporters.

Speculation about Dylan’s future at Nebraska has been simmering for weeks. CBS Sports reported “doubt” about his return, and the program is reportedly bracing for the possibility that he may explore transfer options, especially with his younger brother Dayton recently decommitting and their father, former Husker Dominic Raiola, remaining publicly silent.

1. Nebraska’s Coaching Shake-Up

Matt Rhule is attempting to stabilize a program that saw its 2025 season collapse in the final stretch. After back-to-back lopsided defeats, Rhule acted decisively, firing defensive coordinator John Butler and installing Phil Snow as the interim bowl coach. Now, the focus has shifted to the offensive side, where Donovan Raiola’s dismissal signals a broader staff overhaul. Raiola, who coached Nebraska’s offensive line since 2022, has been a steady presence but will not be retained moving forward. The decision is more than a standard personnel change due to Donovan’s family connection to Dylan Raiola. It adds a personal dimension to an already challenging situation for the quarterback, who relies on his uncle not only for coaching but also for guidance off the field. Rhule has framed this period as a test of mental toughness for the entire program. His approach emphasizes both accountability and personal development, underscoring the broader stakes of these staff changes.

2. Dylan Raiola’s Injury and Career Context

Dylan Raiola, a former five-star recruit, suffered a fibula fracture against USC on Nov. 1, ending his 2025 season prematurely. Before the injury, he had thrown for 2,000 yards with 18 touchdowns and six interceptions, bringing his career totals at Nebraska to 4,819 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions across 22 games. Originally committed to Georgia, Dylan flipped to Nebraska, the school where his father, Dominic Raiola, once starred as a center. His decision carried both personal and programmatic significance, further complicating the dynamics surrounding his uncle’s impending departure. Rhule has urged Dylan to focus on the mental aspects of recovery, encouraging him to journal daily about his rehab progress and emotional state. This approach reflects a holistic emphasis on preparation, acknowledging that injuries test both body and mind. With Dylan’s recovery ongoing and his return targeted for 2026, every decision by Nebraska’s staff—including Donovan Raiola’s firing—will inevitably be viewed in the context of his future and potential transfer considerations.

3. Transfer Speculation and Program Implications

Rumors about Dylan’s potential transfer have grown alongside these staff changes. His younger brother, Dayton, a 2026 three-star quarterback, recently decommitted from Nebraska, signaling potential family uncertainty. Meanwhile, Dominic Raiola has avoided public commentary, adding to the speculation. For Nebraska, managing the quarterback situation is critical. Dylan’s presence is central to the program’s rebuilding plan under Rhule, and losing him could create significant ripple effects both on the field and in recruiting. The departure of Donovan Raiola, while a staff decision, intensifies questions about player loyalty and program stability. Rhule and his front office will need to navigate these challenges carefully to maintain confidence among players and recruits alike. Ultimately, every offseason move—from coaching changes to roster decisions—will be scrutinized for its impact on Dylan Raiola’s return and overall program trajectory. Nebraska’s path forward will hinge on balancing development, retention, and strategic personnel adjustments.