From canceling spring games to warning openly about his quarterback’s weight, Matt Rhule never really minces his words in the media. This would be his third season at Nebraska, where a lot of things would be at stake. Dylan Raiola will need to perform and reach his ceiling, and Rhule will have to take Nebraska to even greater heights after a season filled with confidence and optimism – in which they registered their first winning record since 2016 and put up an incredible fight against Ohio State.
Matt Rhule is planning everything in advance. He has roped in a whopping 16 transfers and is looking to keep them on his roster by canceling spring games. He said it quite bluntly. “The word ‘tampering’ doesn’t exist anymore. It’s just an absolutely free open common market. I don’t necessarily want to open up to the outside world and have people watch our guys and say, ‘He looks like a pretty good player. Let’s go get him.’” However, right now, all attention is on Raiola.
Raoila is someone who stepped up for Nebraska as a freshman and delivered quite effectively. He produced 2,819 passing yards for a 67.1% completion rate as the Huskers finished their season with a Bowl win against Boston College. However, going into the 2025 season, concerns about his weight started coming in, and even Rhule pointed it out in a statement. “He’s really working on his body composition. He won’t be a great quarterback at 240 lbs, right? So getting his body composition to where he can be fleet of foot, slide nimbly, and move within the pocket—where he can convert third downs with his feet—that’s something we’re all bought into, and he has to continue to do.” Since then, it looks like Raiola has taken Rhule’s advice quite seriously.
The QB participated in Nebraska’s Pro Day, where he ran routes, threw passes, and showcased his talent in front of NFL scouts. No wonder this was just a buildup to his ultimate NFL dream since he is still not eligible to register in the draft. But the performance would surely have started some discussions. No harm done right? But Pro Day’s main highlight was his reduced weight as a Cornhuskers’ insider confirmed the news.
Raiola heard the message loud and clear from Rhule.
Clearly has slimmed down already this offseason. Likely looks leaner by fall https://t.co/kK3YEW5MSt
— Rhuler of Husker Nation (@RHULEROFNEB) March 25, 2025
Tim Verghese posted a video of Raiola entering for the Pro Day drills. Where he is seen greeting players and starting to take a feel of the environment. Reacting to the video, Rhuler of Husker Nation reposted with quite an optimistic message. “Raiola heard the message loud and clear from Rhule. Clearly has slimmed down already this offseason. Likely looks leaner by fall.”
Raiola, who is listed to be around 230 lbs, was speculated to have gained 10-15 lbs as a picture went viral in a tight T-shirt. Now it looks like he is working towards being leaner. Fans can rejoice with the prospect that the player will quite fit into the ‘Rhule-Book’s’ requirements. Which would be not more than 225 lbs according to reports.
Double trouble for Matt Rhule?
Despite Dylan Raiola’s optimistic news, Coach Rhule currently has several cracks to mend in his roster. He is someone who has seen departures in key areas like running back and offensive line. And so, these areas need immediate attention. Wilson Dittman, in his video posted in March 23, highlighted the type of players who could be instrumental in that.
“There’s been an overall perception that we need this big, bruising power-back that Dante Dowdell was.” He added, “In my opinion, when evaluating this Dana Holgorsen offense, we don’t really need that. What we need is a short-yardage back.” Dittman specifically talked about a player who can execute “third and two” situations. And also emphasized that the player doesn’t really have to be “athletically gifted” but someone who can “push the pile.”
Another area where Matt Rhule needs to work swiftly is undoubtedly the O-line. Different players like Teddy Prochazka and Turner Corcoran have been recovering from injuries and can be doubtful. Then there was also the concern highlighted by Dittman as he said about the two players, “Those guys might enter the transfer portal.” This is again a possibility since they aren’t quite guaranteed to start games. And are in the last years of their eligibility. There are certainly some reinforcements in the 2025 class, as they have Rocco Spindler at the O-line coming in from Notre Dame. Then there are freshman prospects like Houston Kaahaaina-Torres and Julian “Juju” Marks. But they are far from the levels of these players and will need to develop.
All in all, Nebraska needs to rope in more reinforcements or train some freshman players to make that transition. But as far as Raiola’s weight is concerned, that is something that won’t bother Rhule anymore. He even praised the QB and said, “He’s done a really nice job with his body and he’s continuing to do that“.
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