Why Is Dylan Railoa Not Getting Any Hype?

Drew Thirion|published: Tue 15th July, 10:07 2025

Sep 7, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) hands the ball off to wide receiver Jacory Barney Jr. (17) against the Colorado Buffaloes during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Coming into the 2024 season, Dylan Raiola was the most hyped quarterback in his class.

Not all of the hype was due to his ability on the field, as he had previously decommitted from Georgia, flipping to Nebraska due to his father previously playing center for the Cornhuskers. Raiola also made headlines by copying the appearance of NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Despite all the off-the-field headlines, Raiola is still one of the best sophomore QBs in college football, but he doesn’t seem to be getting much hype. DJ Lagway is seen as a consensus top-10 QB in college football, yet Raiola looked just as good his freshman year.

Player 1: 1,915 yards, 12 TDs, 59.9 completion %, 9 INTs
Player 2: 2,819 yards, 13 TDs, 67.1 completion %, 11 INTs

Player 2 is Raiola.

If you had been reading the preseason previews, you’d have no idea Raiola put up what could be seen as a better freshman season. He also didn’t have nearly as many weapons as Lagway.

This could be a breakout year for Dylan Raiola. With a full offseason of Dana Holgorsen working as the Cornhuskers’ offensive coordinator, he may fully unlock Raiola’s upside.

Secondly, Nebraska has a pretty favorable Big Ten schedule, all things considered. Their three toughest tests will be Michigan — which has a million question marks — Penn State, which will be quite the challenge, and Iowa, which probably still won’t have much of an offense. They have a lot of winnable games, and it’s easy to envision Nebraska winning 9–10 games this year.

Most importantly, they really improved at receiver, which should be a jolt for their offense. Transfers Dane Key and Nyziah Hunter are two of the most talented players Raiola has thrown to in his collegiate career. Jacory Barney is returning as well, and he led the Cornhuskers in catches last season.

Also, three of the five starters on the offensive line will be returning, so Raiola will at least have some continuity up front. If Nebraska can figure out something in the run game, it could be a surprise playoff contender this year.

Oddsmakers are already seeing some potential with Nebraska, as the team is +900 to make the playoffs. However, Raiola is +7000 to win the Heisman this year. If he can sneak Nebraska into the playoffs and stack some gaudy stats against a weak schedule, it’s not impossible to see him on stage this December in New York City when the Heisman is presented.