Nebraska releases depth chart for Week 1 opener vs. UTEP

The Nebraska Cornhuskers are gearing up for Year 2 under Matt Rhule, and looking to make strides as a program in 2024.

It all begins this weekend, as Nebraska will welcome the UTEP Miners to town on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET. Ahead of Week 1, the Cornhuskers have released their depth chart, which Sean Callahan of HuskerOnline shared on X, formerly known as Twitter. Check it out below.

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Nebraska's Week 1 depth chart is out. #Huskers pic.twitter.com/JApIcCPzap

— Sean Callahan (@Sean_Callahan) August 26, 2024

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When Nebaraska takes the field, true freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola will lead them, as he was officially named the starting quarterback for the Cornhuskers ahead of the 2024 college football season last week.

It was 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 last Friday, Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule opened up on how Raiola won the job under center for the Cornhuskers.

“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.”

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.

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.

Alas, Matt 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.

On3’s Kaiden Smith contributed to this article.