Dylan Raiola's Spring Game Shows the Huskers' Offense is On the Rise

Husker Nation and those in attendance were rewarded with an entertaining spring football game that was televised on Big Ten Network. Matt Rhule joined the broadcast booth during the second quarter and was engaging, entertaining as well as enlightening. But Rhule’s players stole the show and, no doubt, the coach would not have had it any other way,

5-Star Freshman sensation Dylan Raiola, who Rhule flipped from Georgia, arguably the best recruiter and program in the country, had a tremendous performance that has caught national attention.

Dylan Raiola came to Nebraska to fulfill the Husker bloodlines of his father, Dominic Raiola (a former Nebraska football All-American), and uncle Donovan Raiola (Nebraska’s current offensive line coach). On Saturday, Raiola separated himself from last year’s starter, Heinrich Haarberg, and another promising true freshman, Daniel Kaelin. 

Quarterbacks Drop Dimes and Excitement, Earning Roars of Approval 

Although Raiola stole the show, Haarberg had nothing to be ashamed of with his impressive performance. Kaelin may have looked third best on Saturday, but he had enough moments to inspire confidence for the future.

To be clear, the stout Nebraska defense that remains a key team asset was missing a potentially projected four to six starters in the spring game. Also, pass pressure was limited, with all three QBs rocking green jerseys, which meant defenders were not to handle the merchandise.

Still, as was the case for Arch Manning under similar circumstances last week in the Texas Longhorns spring game, Raiola and the rest of the quarterbacks took full advantage and showed more than enough to wow the crowd, media, viewers, and coaching staff.

Raiola’s stat line was 16-22 for 239 yards and two touchdowns. Equally impressive was that Raiola, Number 15, often resembled another quarterback who wears 15 for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Indeed, Raiola is already being compared to Patrick Mahomes. And on Saturday, there were several moments when you could have assumed they were related.

Raiola showed good mobility and the potential to improvise. Yet he was also responsible with the football. His lone interception was thrown slightly behind his intended receiver but still hit him right on the hands with a catchable ball that caromed to a defender behind the play.

Haarberg finished 8-13 for 163 yards and flashed a 17-yard scamper, reminiscent of his dual-threat presence in 2023. He also threw a 41-yard TD pass to open the second quarter. Kailen was a respectable 9-16 for 91 yards, a good true freshman showing.

Haarberg looked noticeably improved since the end of last season, but Raiola separated himself as the probable starter. 

Receivers and Backs Show Vast Upgrade In Class

Equally exciting to the quarterback play was the Big Red receiver corps. 

Wake Forest transfer Jahmal Banks stood out with two impressive catches, including a TD. Just for good measure, Banks electrified the crowd with a 78-yard kickoff return,

Janiran Bonner, Jacory Barney Jr, and Jaylen Lloyd hauled in touchdown passes. Lloyd was the leader of the game with 97 yards receiving, including a 67-yard TD. Also, Isaiah Neyor, a transfer from Texas, showed he is a threat to move into the starting rotation.

In the backfield, Oregon transfer Dante Dowdell amassed 76 yards rushing on seven carries with two TDs.

The only blemish on the day came from placekickers. Tristan Alvano missed a pair of field goals (32 and 43 yards). But Alvano did nail a 40-yarder. Meanwhile, Brian Buschini missed badly from 31 yards, pulling the ball way wide.

Rhule Gets BTN Infomercial With 2nd Quarter Booth Appearance

During his second quarter appearance in the Big Ten Network broadcast booth, Matt Rhule revealed what is making his Nebraska culture so attractive to the right kind of recruits.

Nebraska boasts several fifth and sixth-year players who could have entered the 2024 NFL Draft but chose to stay instead. It is a testament to what Rhule is building that they chose to return to the Big Red for what is expected to be a special breakout season.

Rhule was highly critical of today’s sports media, which perpetually tries to get coaches fired. Last year, offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield was the target of the media and fans' wrath. But Rhule prefers continuity, stability, and continuous self-improvement. In turn, on Saturday, Satterfield’s offense was unrecognizable compared to last year’s mistake-prone unit.

Rhule was also able to use his TV time to show off the impressive new football training facilities and tout Nebraska's tradition of being on the cutting edge of player development and nutrition, dating back to legendary Hall of Fame and national championship coaches Bob Devaney and Tom Osborne.

All told Nebraska Football got quite the infomercial for its spring game. Recruits, fans, and donors had to be impressed with the entire two-hour production. 

The Big Year Beckons for Big Red 

On Saturday, Nebraska flashed athletic ability that was missing in 2023. The Huskers now have playmakers and a bona fide 5-Star signal caller. The mistakes of last year have been noticeably eliminated. Spring games are often sloppy, but this one was comparatively clean.

As Nebraska ends its spring season, it is full of confidence and football improvement. The Huskers look like a team ready to stake their claim as a Big Ten contender, perhaps this season.

Since 2017, Nebraska fans have been put through the wringer and are scarred by false promises and hype. But there is a much different feel this time around. Nebraska is restoring its grit and work ethic. Everything is earned. Nothing is given to anyone. Rhule is unapologetically relentless and demanding. And the payoff shows with the demeanor of the Husker players.

With Rhule, Nebraska is getting its past championship DNA restored. That’s how things used to be at the University of Nebraska when it won five national championships from 1970 through 1997.

This year, it does look like There is No Place Like Nebraska!