Loyalty Over Lucre: Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola Turns Down Record $10.5M NIL Offer from USC to Uphold Family Legacy and Team Commitment
In an era where college athletics is increasingly influenced by financial opportunities, Dylan Raiola, the highly touted quarterback for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, made headlines not for accepting a record-breaking deal, but for turning one down. The five-star recruit reportedly rejected a staggering $10.5 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) offer from the University of Southern California (USC), choosing instead to remain loyal to Nebraska—a decision driven by personal values, family legacy, and a deep sense of team commitment.
Raiola’s decision is especially noteworthy given the current NIL landscape, where high-profile athletes are receiving millions of dollars in endorsements and sponsorship deals. For many, such financial windfalls are too tempting to resist. But for Raiola, who had already been courted by elite programs including Georgia and Ohio State, money was not the deciding factor. The quarterback made it clear: his heart was set on Nebraska.
The roots of Raiola’s loyalty run deep. His father, Dominic Raiola, is a revered figure in Cornhuskers history, having played as an All-American center for Nebraska. Moreover, Dylan’s uncle, Donovan Raiola, serves as the current offensive line coach for the team. This strong familial connection to the program undoubtedly played a pivotal role in his decision to turn down USC’s lucrative NIL offer. For Raiola, playing for Nebraska wasn’t just about football—it was about continuing a family tradition and building a legacy of his own.
In public statements, Raiola has consistently emphasized that NIL deals were never the focus of his recruitment process. In fact, he revealed that all NIL discussions were handled by his parents and marketing team, allowing him to concentrate solely on his development as a player. “I didn’t want to deal with that,” he said in an interview, pointing to a mature approach rarely seen among athletes so young.
While Raiola has engaged in some NIL opportunities—such as deals with Panini America and personalized merchandise through The NIL Store—his choices have been strategic and value-driven, rather than opportunistic. His emphasis has remained on team performance, leadership, and honoring the commitment he made to Nebraska.
Since joining the Cornhuskers, Raiola has not only embraced his role as the team’s leader but has also helped reenergize a program that has struggled in recent years. His debut performance as starting quarterback helped break a multi-year losing streak, immediately justifying the faith placed in him by Nebraska’s coaching staff and fan base.
Dylan Raiola’s rejection of the $10.5 million offer from USC stands as a powerful testament to character, loyalty, and purpose in an increasingly commercialized sport. His decision sends a message to young athletes across the country: while money can open doors, legacy, integrity, and dedication to one’s team are values that can’t be bought. In choosing Nebraska over financial gain, Raiola has not only honored his family but also restored a sense of tradition and principle to college football.
