Matt Rhule explains decision to start Dylan Raiola at quarterback

Last Wednesday, true freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola was officially named the starting quarterback for the Nebraska Cornhuskers ahead of the 2024 college football season. An outcome that many felt was inevitable for the former five-star prospect who’s being looked upon to return Nebraska back to a powerhouse program.

But quarterback competitions aren’t always what they seem like from the outside looking in, and on Friday, Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule opened up on how Raiola won the job under center for the Cornhuskers.

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“I felt all along like Dylan could be the starter game one. The problem was I also felt like so could Heinrich [Haarberg]. I also felt like so could Danny [Daniel Kaelin] and Danny had a really, really, really strong week and a really strong scrimmage too,” Rhule said.

“So why did he win the job, why did Dylan win the job?” he asked. “I think Dylan puts all the pieces in play, and that doesn’t mean the other guys don’t, but I think Dylan has elite arm strength. He understands all the run game checks. He understands the entire RPO game. He understands the situational football.”

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There’s no question that Raiola is oozing with talent at the quarterback position. Standing at 6-foot-2.5, weighing 230 pounds, and possessing the arm strength, ability, and even the looks that have drawn comparisons to Patrick Mahomes.

But looks and talent alone don’t win football games or quarterback battles. As Rhule detailed how Raiola has grown throughout the offseason and fall camp into a complete quarterback ready to take center stage this upcoming season.

“I think he’s really cleaned up his footwork in the pocket, which is one of the big things. I know sometimes people want us to name a starter because it’s the most convenient thing, but at the end of the day we want to be a program where you earn things,” Rhule explained. “And so while you might be ahead of people, until you show me you can do this, you’re not the starter, and that challenges people to go do this.”

“And so I think one of the biggest things for Dylan has been, and it’s really a lot about young quarterbacks now, is Dylan can drop back and throw it behind his back and probably hit you. He can throw it underhanded. But we don’t want to do that unless we have to.”

Players like Mahomes have contributed to a new level of showmanship at the quarterback position. Highlighted by off-platform throws and hitting wide receivers deep down the field across their bodies. Areas that Raiola definitely has the talent and skill set to achieve. But excelling in other places are why he will lead the Cornhuskers offense this season.

“So often now these guys going out to be evaluated at whatever thing and they’re making all these off-platform throws. But I showed Dylan about 60 reps of Tom Brady and he’s on platform, and so Dylan’s worked so hard at his pocket presence. And once he, to me, cleared that hurdle I saw how close the other guys were coming, and I feel like he’s the starter,” Rhule said.

Rhule would go on to express confidence in each of his quarterbacks, including NAIA senior transfer Jalyn Gramstad. But this Saturday at Memorial Stadium when Nebraska hosts UTEP could represent the beginning of an exciting era for the Cornhuskers led by Raiola.