Nebraska Cornhuskers fans are on edge again, wondering what’s next for their star quarterback, Dylan Raiola. After barely keeping Raiola last offseason amid a swirl of transfer rumors, the Huskers are bracing for another possible departure.
Raiola’s recent injury only makes things messier. Plus, his younger brother Dayton just decommitted from Nebraska’s 2026 class, which has everyone buzzing and speculating about what’s actually going on.
With the transfer portal about to open, the Cornhuskers’ quarterback situation feels like a real question mark. Fans and analysts are left guessing, trying to make sense of what’s ahead for the program.
The Raiola Saga: A Season of Uncertainty
Last offseason, Nebraska managed to keep Dylan Raiola, even though his camp talked informally with other programs about transferring. This year, though, the vibe in Lincoln feels different.
Sources say Nebraska expects Raiola to at least look into the transfer portal. He’s been sidelined since November 1 with a broken fibula, which just adds to the uncertainty.
Dayton Raiola’s Decommitment
Things really heated up when Dayton Raiola, Dylan’s younger brother, decommitted from Nebraska’s 2026 class last week. That’s led a lot of folks to wonder if Dylan’s also thinking about leaving.
Their father, Dominic Raiola—a former All-American at Nebraska—wouldn’t comment, so everyone’s left reading between the lines.
Dylan Raiola’s Performance and Earnings
Dylan Raiola, once a five-star recruit, stands out as one of Nebraska’s biggest signings in recent years. This season, he pulled in about $3.5 million, making him the team’s highest-paid player and one of the top earners in college football.
Money isn’t really the issue here, though. Nebraska’s set to bump up its NIL and rev-share payouts next season, planning to spend big to keep its top guys around.
On-Field Achievements
Before his injury, Raiola threw for 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns, with just six interceptions over 10 games in 2025. His play helped Nebraska start the season 6-2, including a nail-biter home loss to now-No. 16 Michigan.
After Raiola got hurt against USC, things went south for the Huskers, ending in a blowout loss to Penn State.
The Transfer Market and Potential Destinations
The college football transfer portal officially opens January 2, but, let’s be honest, the behind-the-scenes talks have already started. The 2026 transfer quarterback market is still full of moving pieces, and honestly, there’s no guarantee Raiola would find a better fit elsewhere.
His fractured fibula shouldn’t stop him from being ready for the 2026 season, at least according to early reports.
Comparing Past Transfers
Last offseason, the transfer market was wild—Carson Beck left Georgia for Miami, even with a torn UCL in his throwing elbow. That move cost nearly $4 million, which just shows how high the stakes have gotten.
Raiola’s situation feels just as high-profile, and whatever he decides will get plenty of scrutiny.
Nebraska’s Future at Quarterback
Even with all the Raiola uncertainty, Nebraska seems pretty optimistic about its quarterback depth. Freshman TJ Lateef has stepped up, throwing for 653 yards and four touchdowns without a pick, plus a 70.4% completion rate.
The Huskers also have a verbal commitment from Trae Taylor, who ranks as the No. 35 prospect in the 2027 class.
Building for the Future
Matt Rhule and his staff have worked hard to build a solid roster. Last offseason, they dove into the transfer portal and landed several four-star prospects at wide receiver, offensive line, and EDGE.
That approach has set Nebraska up for long-term success, whether Raiola stays or moves on.
The Road Ahead
Nebraska’s gearing up to finish the regular season against Iowa. Once that’s over, everyone’s attention will probably jump to the offseason and any big moves in the transfer market.
The Huskers seem pretty optimistic about what’s next. Still, nobody really knows what Dylan Raiola will do, and that uncertainty is hard to ignore.
Fans and analysts are watching. The transfer portal’s about to open, and let’s be honest, things could get interesting fast.
If you want more details on what’s happening, check out the full article on CBS Sports here.
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