Nebraska’s Matt Rhule Prioritizes Dylan Raiola’s Health After Ankle Injury in Loss to USC

Nebraska’s 27–23 loss to USC in Week 10 came with a moment that transcended the scoreboard. In the final minutes, sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola suffered a painful ankle injury that left both the team and fans holding their breath. As Raiola pleaded to return to the field, head coach Matt Rhule made a decision rooted not in strategy, but in care — refusing to risk further injury to the young quarterback he calls “like a son.”

“The trainers didn’t want him to go out there,” Rhule said postgame, via Husker Online. “They didn’t say, ‘No, he can’t,’ they just said, ‘He shouldn’t be out there.’ So I told Dylan, ‘I love you too much to ask you to play when you’re hurt like this.’” His words underscored the deep trust and connection he’s built with his players — and the respect he commands by prioritizing their long-term well-being.

Raiola sustained the injury after being sacked by USC defensive end Anthony Lucas, who rolled into the quarterback’s lower leg after hitting him from behind. The collision bent Raiola’s ankle awkwardly and left him visibly limping. He was immediately tended to by trainers and did not return for the remainder of the game.

For Nebraska, the injury cast a shadow over an otherwise competitive effort. The Cornhuskers had been battling for a crucial road victory, but the absence of their offensive leader left them struggling to regain rhythm down the stretch.

1. Raiola’s Ankle History Raises Added Concern

The incident was especially worrisome given Raiola’s prior issues with the same ankle. He initially hurt it late in his freshman season, an injury sustained against Maryland after a controversial hit while trying to exit the field. That setback lingered into the offseason, and though Raiola entered 2025 fully healthy, the recurrence reignited fears of chronic trouble. Rhule acknowledged that history factored into his decision to sideline his star quarterback, emphasizing that the program’s priority is Raiola’s long-term health, not short-term results. “We’ve been through this before with that ankle,” he noted. “I wasn’t about to make it worse.” Raiola’s injury occurred midway through the third quarter, with Nebraska trailing by just three points. He had completed 17 of 25 passes before leaving the game, helping the Cornhuskers sustain drives against a tough USC defense. His absence, however, altered the complexion of the game as Nebraska’s offense shifted to a more conservative, run-focused approach. The quarterback’s teammates expressed their concern postgame, describing Raiola as a “fighter” who tried to remain on the field despite visible pain. His leadership, both on and off the field, has been central to Nebraska’s resurgence this season — making his potential absence in Week 11 a major storyline.

2. Lateef Steps In, Johnson Carries the Load

In Raiola’s place, Rhule turned to true freshman TJ Lateef, a three-star prospect from Orange, California, who had yet to appear in a meaningful situation. Lateef entered the game cold but managed the offense efficiently, completing five of seven passes for seven yards while avoiding costly mistakes. Though the playbook was limited, Rhule praised his young quarterback’s composure. “Lateef’s got a bright future,” Rhule said. “He came in, stayed poised, and didn’t try to do too much.” However, it was clear the Cornhuskers’ offense lacked its usual spark through the air. Nebraska leaned heavily on running back Emmett Johnson, who delivered a career-best performance with 29 carries for 165 yards. Despite Johnson’s effort, the offense struggled to generate balance, and USC capitalized with a late touchdown drive to seal the win. Still, Rhule credited his team’s resilience in the face of adversity, noting that Nebraska “never stopped fighting” despite losing its most important player. The performance reaffirmed Nebraska’s commitment to a physical identity — something Rhule has emphasized since arriving in Lincoln. But with the Big Ten schedule tightening, the team’s offensive depth will soon be tested more than ever.

3. Nebraska Faces Uncertainty Ahead of UCLA Clash

As the Cornhuskers prepare to travel to Los Angeles once again — this time to face UCLA on November 8 — Raiola’s availability remains uncertain. Rhule has not provided an official update on the quarterback’s condition, saying only that the medical staff is still evaluating the injury. The team hopes to have clarity early in the week. If Raiola is unable to play, Lateef will likely make his first career start. Behind him, Nebraska’s depth chart features senior Jalyn Gramstad, redshirt freshmen Bode Soukup and Marcos Davila, and junior Luke Longval. The staff could also turn to tight end Henrich Haarberg, who has eight previous starts at quarterback, should depth become an issue. Nebraska sits at 6–3 on the season, still in contention for a postseason berth, but the next two games could determine their trajectory. Rhule’s handling of Raiola’s injury — and the team’s ability to adapt offensively — will play a crucial role in sustaining their momentum. While fans are eager for updates, Rhule’s message remains consistent: protecting his players comes first. “He’s got a big future ahead of him,” Rhule said. “And my job is to make sure he’s healthy enough to live it.”