Nebraska Fans Share Unanimous Reaction To QB Dylan Raiola Update

Nebraska fans were in a celebratory mood on Wednesday.

Early in the day, the team announced that freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola will start in Week 1 of the regular season against UTEP on Saturday, Aug. 31.

Raiola, a five-star recruit out of high school, originally committed to Georgia before deciding to join Nebraska, where his uncle, Donovan Raiola, coaches the offensive line.

Dylan's father, Dominic Raiola, played at Nebraska from 1997-2000 before embarking on a 14-year NFL career.

ESPN's Max Olson writes that Raiola beat out junior Heinrich Haarberg and freshman Daniel Kaelin for the starting gig.

Last season, Haarberg appeared in 10 games and was 77-of-157 (49 percent) for 967 yards, seven touchdowns and seven interceptions. He was effective on the ground, finishing the season with 477 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns.

Kaelin was a three-star prospect in the 2024 recruiting class, per 247 Sports.

247 Sports' national recruiting analyst Allen Trieu described the Nebraska native as a "Smart, accurate passer" and a "Potential early player for a college because he is refined."

He'll take a back seat to Raiola, which is fine by a large swath of the Cornhuskers faithful.

"Get your popcorn ready," wrote one commenter.

"Our king. Take us to the promised land," pleaded another.

"Future Heisman," boldly predicted one.

"Himothy, The Chosen One, Muad’Dib, The Prince that was Promised. Whatever you wanna call him bro be droppin dimes," added another enthusiastic fan.

Nebraska is entering its second season under head coach Matt Rhule. Last year, the Cornhuskers went 5-7, their seventh consecutive losing season.