Dylan Raiola’s arrival in Lincoln marked the beginning of a new era for Nebraska football. Touted as the most highly regarded quarterback recruit in program history, Raiola entered the 2024 season with immense expectations — and he delivered in spectacular fashion. The five-star talent and legacy recruit not only lived up to the hype but redefined what was possible for the Cornhuskers at the quarterback position.
From the moment he stepped onto the field as a true freshman, Raiola displayed poise and maturity beyond his years. His arm talent was immediately apparent — smooth mechanics, a lightning-quick release, and the ability to make all the throws, whether firing deep downfield or threading needles in tight windows. But beyond physical tools, what set Raiola apart was his decision-making and command of the offense. Nebraska’s coaching staff quickly tailored the offensive system around his strengths, and the results spoke for themselves.
By season’s end, Raiola had rewritten the Nebraska record books. He threw for 2,819 yards — the most ever by a freshman in program history — and completed an astounding 67.1% of his passes, setting a new single-season completion percentage mark for the Huskers. His stat line wasn’t just impressive for a first-year player; it rivaled the best seasons from veteran quarterbacks in the Big Ten. Along the way, Raiola tossed 24 touchdown passes and kept his interception total in the single digits, a testament to his football IQ and composure under pressure.
Perhaps most importantly, Raiola’s presence sparked a cultural and competitive shift within the program. Nebraska, once a dominant force in college football, had struggled for much of the past decade. The 2024 campaign marked a turning point, as the Huskers not only posted a winning season but earned their first bowl victory in nearly ten years. Raiola was the clear catalyst — his leadership, competitive fire, and belief in the team lifted those around him.
The bowl game itself was a showcase of Raiola’s talent and toughness. Facing a seasoned SEC defense, he remained cool under pressure, throwing for over 300 yards and two touchdowns. He engineered a pair of clutch scoring drives in the fourth quarter, including a game-winning touchdown pass that sealed a 31-28 victory and sent the Nebraska faithful into celebration. It was a fitting capstone to a historic freshman campaign.
Off the field, Raiola embraced his role as the face of the program. The son of former Nebraska great Dominic Raiola, Dylan handled the spotlight with humility and grace, often crediting his teammates and coaches for the team’s success. His deep ties to the program and understanding of its legacy only strengthened his bond with fans and alumni.
Looking ahead, Raiola’s future at Nebraska seems boundless. With his skillset, leadership, and already-impressive resume, he has the potential to not only restore Nebraska to national prominence but also leave a lasting legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in school history. If his freshman season was any indication, the best is yet to come for both Raiola and the Huskers.
