Breaking down Dylan Raiola's chances of becoming Nebraska quarterback starter in 2024
Matt Rhule pulled off the biggest move Nebraska has seen in the modern recruiting era. The Huskers were able to land On3 Industry Rankings five-star Dylan Raiola, flipping him from the Georgia Bulldogs. A quarterback of Raiola’s caliber has not been in Lincoln in a long, long time.
There is a chance we see Raiola making an immediate impact. Sean Callahan of On3’s Husker Online said as things stand, the true freshman will be the favorite to win the starting job. Being an early enrollee will help his case, getting a full spring and then fall camp to impress the Nebraska coaches.
“I think it sets up for him to have a great chance to be the guy and win the job,” Callahan said during Monday’s episode of Andy Staples On3. “If you were to put Vegas odds on it, he’s the starting quarterback for Nebraska next year. Barring injury or something crazy.”
Raiola played high school football at Buford (GA) High School, where he was a five-star prospect. He was the No. 16 overall recruit in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Rankings, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
Recruiting ranking does not immediately give Raiola the job, though. Not too many Power Five programs would feel comfortable just naming a true freshman as the starter. A competition will take place and Nebraska does have a few guys who can fight for the spot.
“In the spring, Chubba Purdy, Heinrich Haarberg, and Daniel Kaelin,” Callahan said. “All of them bring something to the table. Chubba played well in the year. He’s a guy that’s been in college for four years. Heinrich Haarberg won five games as a starting quarterback. And then Daniel Kaelin was an Elite 11 guy. So, there will be formidable competition.”
Nebraska can always attempt to go back into the NCAA transfer portal market too. Not too long ago, they were considered the favorite for former Ohio State QB Kyle McCord. While things never materialized, Rhule has been aggressive when trying to add an established quarterback.
But as things stand, Raiola is certainly the favorite to be the starter for the season opener against UTEP on Aug. 31. Fans will certainly want to see him out there beginning in the spring game. You will not even be able to blame them either, finally feeling like they have someone who can bring the program back.