Matt Rhule praises work ethic of Dylan Raiola entering freshman year

Dylan Raiola is a freshman but he practices like a seasoned pro. At the 2024 Big Ten Media Days, Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule raved about the highly-touted quarterback.

“Dylan’s done a great job just coming in and being one of the guys. He just shows up and he works. That’s probably a credit to Dom and Yvonne (Raiola’s parents),” Rhule said. “If I walk in to get my little old man workout in the afternoon at 4 o’clock he’s usually there doing something extra. If I go in early in the morning, he’s usually there throwing.

“What Dylan has shown me is that he’s willing to put that time in and the game comes natural to him because he puts the work in and I’d say that’s really that whole room. I think that’s one reason why we brought [quarterbacks coach] Glenn [Thomas] in, so that they had somebody they could just just go to full-time.”

Raiola’s work ethic will only bolster his natural talent. Raiola played high school football at Buford (GA), where he was a five-star prospect. He was the No. 21 overall recruit in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Raiola was initially committed to Georgia, but ultimately swapped his commitment to Nebraska on Dec. 18. Raiola’s father played for the Cornhuskers. Further, his uncle — Donovan Raiola — is currently on Rhule’s staff as the offensive line coach and recently received a contract extension.

Will Dylan Raiola be a starter in the 2024 campaign?

Despite Raiola’s heritage and high rating, he won’t be handed the starting spot at quarterback. He will also have to compete with fellow freshman Daniel Kaelin and veteran Heinrich Haarberg. In March, Rhule weighed in on the battle behind center.

“They’ve done a great job, you can see a fire and competitiveness in Dylan,” Rhule said. “He wants to be at the top, he’s chomping at the bit, he’s in there at six o’clock in the morning throwing balls before his lift. Lift’s at 10:30 but he’s in there at 6:00 throwing. You can see it with Danny, he comes in and he’s working on football.”

Raiola is happy to be a part of the program.

“Nebraska is a special place. It’s always been like that,” Raiola said. “I never take it for granted how good our fans are. I try to be around my guys as much as possible. Take them out to go eat. Play Madden. It’s been good. I love living here. Not a lot of distractions, a lot of ball and being around your guys.”