It didn’t take long for Dylan Raiola to justify the hype. In fact, it took just one season.
The most highly touted quarterback recruit in Nebraska history didn’t just live up to expectations in 2024—he obliterated them. Raiola, a five-star legacy whose commitment sent shockwaves through the college football world, made his mark as a true freshman in ways Husker Nation hasn’t seen in decades.
The numbers speak volumes:
📈 2,819 passing yards — a new single-season record for a Nebraska freshman.
🎯 67.1% completion rate — another program-best mark, showing poise and precision well beyond his years.
🏆 First bowl win in nearly 10 years — leading the Huskers to postseason glory and reigniting belief in the Big Red.
From the moment he stepped onto the field, Raiola brought a swagger and skill set that transformed the identity of Nebraska football. His command of the offense, deep-ball accuracy, and coolness under pressure were unmistakable. Game after game, the freshman phenom delivered highlight-reel throws and clutch drives that silenced doubters and thrilled fans.
But it wasn’t just stats that defined his breakout season—it was his impact. For a program long starved of elite quarterback play and postseason relevance, Raiola was a lightning bolt of hope. He turned Memorial Stadium into a battleground once again and brought national attention back to Lincoln.
Recruiting experts called him a “program-changer.” Now, with records shattered and a bowl trophy in hand, it’s clear: Dylan Raiola isn’t just the future of Nebraska football—he’s already rewriting its legacy.
And the scary part? He’s just getting started.
