Dylan Raiola quickly became the face of the Huskers last year as a true freshman. Nebraska began with a bang, winning their first three games, and Raiola was a big part of that. Unfortunately, he never quite reached his full potential, and the Huskers finished the season with a 7-6 record. Still, big moments like beating the Buffs 28-10 (a sweet revenge win) and making it to the Pinstripe Bowl (their first bowl trip since 2016) really cemented Raiola as the Huskers’ identity. But in Nebraska, the Raiola name isn’t just about Dylan anymore.
The QB’s dad, Dominic Raiola, is already a Huskers legend; his uncle Donovan Raiola is the OC, and now another Raiola has joined the team. Dylan’s younger brother, Dayton Raiola, a 2026 quarterback, committed to the Nebraska Cornhuskers in September 2024, and the excitement hasn’t stopped.
Dylan even praised his brother on Instagram, saying, “Lil bro been ballin. He different.” Dayton, a 6-foot-1 lefty from Buford High, is quickly making a name for himself. Even though he’s a three-star recruit, he stepped up after Dylan left and played incredibly well, throwing for 1,953 yards and 19 touchdowns in just six games. The Raiola legacy is definitely just getting started.
Now, we’re seeing the Raiola grind in action. On June 1st, Dayton Raiola shared workout photos with Dylan, showing off their brotherhood and shared mission. It was clear these two quarterbacks are putting in the work, but it was Dayton’s caption on those photos that really grabbed everyone’s attention. “Working while they sleep so I can live how they dream.” Chills….
It’s more than just a workout. It’s a warning. The Raiola brothers were built for this. Football runs deep in their blood. And they’re not just chasing history—they’re ready to make it.
The Raiola bloodline runs deep in Nebraska soil. Their father, Dominic Raiola, was a consensus All-American and the first-ever Rimington Trophy winner in 2000. He went on to play 14 seasons in the NFL with the Detroit Lions. Their uncle, Donovan Raiola, is shaping the trenches as Nebraska’s OL coach. And their sister, Taylor, once a standout volleyball player at TCU, now helps power the Huskers’ recruiting machine. It’s a family affair. Now Dylan and Dayton are here to carry the torch. Two brothers. One legacy. And a mission to bring Nebraska back to glory.
Now, Dayton’s chilling message has already sent shockwaves. But Dylan’s reaction? That just added fuel to the fire.
Resharing a picture of the two grinding side by side, Dylan kept it simple—and powerful: “Lil bro ” No need for extra words. Just pure respect and brotherhood.
Dayton Raiola is a left-handed QB with his own style and serious upside. While Dylan thrives as a pocket passer, Dayton brings mobility and a smooth release, dropping 50-yard dimes like his deep ball vs. Collins Hill. He’s not a true dual-threat, but his legs give him an edge. His film shows flashes of brilliance, though some throws—like a back-shoulder miss—remind us he’s still developing. The Raiola brothers are clearly the future and firepower Husker fans have been waiting for.
As Matt Rhule enters his 3rd year at Nebraska, an anonymous B1G coach’s revelation is turning up the heat on his QB, Dylan Raiola. While the pressure is mounting, the spotlight is brighter than ever.
Dylan Raiola is feeling the heat
After a 7-6 finish last year, Matt Rhule’s Huskers are hungry for more. CBS Sports ranks Rhule 32nd among HCs—respectable, but far from stellar given the high hopes. Nebraska’s recent seasons have been a rollercoaster: 5-7 in 2023, then 7-6 in 2024. Progress? Sure. But is it enough to ignite real momentum?
Close games have been brutal—0-8 in must-win matchups before last year’s Wisconsin upset, only to stumble against Iowa soon after. The spotlight shines brightest on QB Dylan Raiola, whose arm and poise have sparked life into the offense under new OC Dana Holgorsen. With flashes like Raiola’s 293-yard game vs. Wisconsin, fans wonder: How much better must Nebraska get before we believe Rhule’s vision is truly taking hold?
On the May 29th episode of his show, On3’s J.D. PicKell nailed the vibe around Nebraska football. According to B1G coaches, the clock is ticking. And one coach put it bluntly, stating, “The expectation is they break out and finally compete among the top level in the league.” Translation? Patience is running low.
But PicKell added, “There’s been optimism, and I’m not telling you that optimism has been misplaced. Expectations are earned. Excitement is generated in-house. Excitement you can have when you landed Dylan Raiola via the recruiting trail.” So, the pressure is real—and the hype, even louder.
Landing Dylan Raiola wasn’t just a win—it was Nebraska’s golden ticket. A former five-star and one of the most hyped QB prospects in recent memory, he shattered freshman records in passing yards and completion percentage. But with greatness comes pressure. Raiola walked into Lincoln carrying the hopes of a fan base starved for a title run. Everyone’s watching, hoping he’s the spark to end decades of drought. As J.D. PicKell put it best, saying, “There is real reason for expectation for Nebraska. When you look across the conference, look at their schedule. It’s all there. Like, Nebraska is no longer this lovable loser.”
When coaches say Nebraska is ready to ‘break out,’ they’re not talking national titles—at least not yet. They mean being relevant in November—right in the mix, making the B1G title race more than just background noise. And with Dylan Raiola under center, Matt Rhule seems confident this is the year. No more punchlines. Just progress with purpose.
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