Key Highlights
- Nebraska is preparing for the possibility that quarterback Dylan Raiola may enter the transfer portal in 2026.
- Raiola has not played since November due to a fibula injury and his younger brother Dayton decommitted from Nebraska’s 2026 class.
- NCAA rules do not officially open the transfer portal until January, but speculation is already rampant.
- The Huskers are bullish on their quarterback room with freshman TJ Lateef starting in Raiola’s absence.
Nebraska’s QB Situation: A Complex Transfer Portal Scenario
NCAA rules may be clear when it comes to the transfer portal, but for Nebraska football fans and coaches, the situation involving quarterback Dylan Raiola is anything but straightforward. The Huskers are preparing for the possibility that Raiola might enter the transfer portal in 2026, a move that could have significant implications for both the player and the team.
Raiola, who has been Nebraska’s starting quarterback since 2024, suffered a fibula injury in November. The 2025 season saw him throwing for 2,000 yards with 18 touchdowns against six interceptions before his injury sidelined him for the remainder of the year. Despite this setback, Raiola has not ruled out exploring other opportunities.
Brother Dayton’s Decision
The situation in Lincoln is further complicated by the recent decision of Dylan’s younger brother, Dayton Raiola, to decommit from Nebraska’s 2026 class. This move has sent ripples through the rumor mill and added fuel to speculation about Dylan’s future. Dominic Raiola, the father of both brothers and a former All-American at Nebraska, declined to comment on this story when reached.
Dayton’s decision to open his recruitment is not just a personal choice; it signals potential instability within the family and could influence Dylan’s future decisions. Last winter, there were informal conversations about potentially entering the transfer portal, but according to Dominic Raiola, Dylan ultimately made a decision that kept him with the Huskers.
Nebraska’s Preparation
Nickel coach Matt Rhule had a candid conversation with Dylan last year before the portal opened. Rhule emphasized his commitment to keeping Raiola and ensuring they were on the same page moving forward. The Huskers responded by adding multiple four-star prospects through the 2025 transfer portal cycle, including key positions like wide receiver, offensive line, and EDGE.
However, with Dylan sidelined, the Huskers have relied heavily on freshman quarterback TJ Lateef to fill in.
Lateef has thrown for 653 yards with 4 touchdowns and no interceptions, completing 70.4% of his passes. The performance of the freshman is seen as a positive sign for Nebraska’s future at the position.
Meanwhile, the Huskers are optimistic about their recruiting prospects for the 2027 class, securing a verbal commitment from Trae Taylor, the No. 35 overall prospect in the country. This long-term planning indicates that despite the current uncertainty, Nebraska is focused on building its program for the future.
Transfer Portal Dynamics
The transfer portal market remains fluid, with contract leverage being a significant factor during this time of year. Players are actively shopped across different programs, and teams are negotiating behind closed doors. The Raiola situation is considered tenuous given Dayton’s decommitment and the knowledge that last year’s informal talks about entering the portal were real.
While any transfer decision would not be driven by financial considerations, as Nebraska plans to increase its total NIL/rev-share payout next season, a fresh start could offer both Dylan and potential new teams an opportunity.
The NFL Draft and the possibility of a College Football Playoff appearance are also factors in this decision-making process.
The upcoming game against Iowa on Friday will be crucial for the Huskers as they continue to assess their quarterback situation. With the regular season wrapping up, Nebraska faces the challenge of maintaining its bowl-bound status while navigating potential changes at the helm of the offense.
