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Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola Keeps It Real on His Patrick Mahomes Influence

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 6:52 PM ET

Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola became one of the most talked-about college football players during his freshman season in 2024. And it wasn't all because of his play on the field.

Raiola came into Nebraska as a five-star recruit (247Sports), ranking as the No. 7 prospect overall and the No. 2 quarterback. Despite leading the Cornhuskers to a Pinstripe Bowl win, Raiola may have fallen short of expectations, at least on the stat sheet. He completed 275 of 410 passes for 2,819 yards, 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

But Raiola also drew attention for his off-field influence, particularly from Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. From his haircut to his warmup routine, Raiola appeared to emulate the three-time Super Bowl champion quite often throughout his freshman season.

On Tuesday, Raiola, ahead of his second season with Nebraska, headed out West to take part in Big Ten Media Days in Las Vegas. When speaking on his Mahomes inspiration, Raiola compared it to two basketball legends.

"I kind of used it like Kobe (Bryant) and (Michael Jordan)," Raiola said. "You know, you look up to a guy like that, one of the best to ever do it. He's still playing, so I think it would be not wise of me to not do that. And so, just seize the opportunity and enjoy it. It's a cool guy to learn from and a cool person to experience it."

Dylan Raiola Patrick Mahomes

The @HuskerFootball QB shares how he’s inspired by the @Chiefs QB and 3x Super Bowl champion #B1GFootball x #B1GMediaDays pic.twitter.com/TUxdECaPnw
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) July 22, 2025

Last season, Mahomes was even asked about Raiola "mimicking every single aspect" of him. The Chiefs star recalled that he was the same way.

"Yeah, I mean, it's cool honestly," Mahomes commented. "I mean, I was that guy. I grew up watching players... I loved Alex Rodriguez. Played shortstop and would try to make plays just like him and do stuff like that. And it helped me become the athlete that I am."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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