Why it's hard to imagine Dylan Raiola not starting for Nebraska in 2024

Nebraska made one of the splashes of December’s National Signing Day, completing the flip of five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola from Georgia. One of the highest-rated recruiting in the modern era for the program, expectations are already through the roof for Raiola. In fact, even before spring practice begins in Lincoln, it’s tough to see a world where Raiola is not the starter on Aug. 31 against UTEP.

“It’s all set up for Raiola,” Sean Callahan of On3’s Husker Online said during Wednesday’s episode of Andy Staples On3. “If he comes in and does what everyone thinks he can do, it’s hard to not see him as the starter. The arm talent — they just haven’t had that in the program in a really long time.”

Raiola played high school football at Buford (GA) High School, where he was a five-star prospect. He was the No. 21 overall recruit in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Rankings, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Nebraska’s last five-star prospect came back in 2005 when running back Marlon Lucky signed. He wound up being a great player for the Huskers, earning second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2006.

Just as when Lucky did in Lincoln, Raiola has the opportunity to make an early impact. Nebraska is a program desperately looking to break through on the big stage. Even gaining bowl eligibility would be something the Huskers have not done since 2016.

Raiola is hoped to be the quarterback to get Nebraska over the hump and multiple other hurdles to get back to competing on the national stage.

Nebraska to have thin quarterback room around Dylan Raiola

Outside of having the potential to win out due to his skill level, there is not too much competition on campus for Raiola. Last year’s starter, Heinrich Haarberg, is returning but was not the most consistent. And then Daniel Kaelin, another true freshman, is the only other quarterback expected to be on Nebraska’s spring roster.

“There are three scholarship quarterbacks,” Callahan said. “Heinrich Haarberg, who was the primary starter a year ago, is back. But he got hurt and down the stretch, struggled once his body got banged around. And then Daniel Kaelien, another Elite 11 freshman, will be here.”

While Matt Rhule might be worried about not having a ton of depth at quarterback, having the right one is the most important aspect. Raiola will certainly have to compete but the signs are pointing in the right direction.