Matt Rhule Reacts to Dylan Raiola Transfer, 'A Lot of Guys Want to Play at Nebraska'

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule discussed quarterback Dylan Raiola's recent decision to enter the transfer portal.

"If he needs a fresh start I'm going to pray that he finds the right place and that he has so much success," Rhule said during a Wednesday appearance on Huskers Radio Network (via Luke Mullin of the Lincoln Journal Star). "With that being said, there's a lot of great QBs out there and a lot of guys want to play at Nebraska."

ESPN's Pete Thamel reported Monday that Raiola planned to enter the portal with two years of eligibility remaining.

The 20-year-old started immediately as a true freshman in 2024, completing 67.1 percent of his throws for 2,819 yards and 13 touchdowns compared to 11 interceptions in 13 appearances.

Raiola took a step forward this season, passing for 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns while getting picked off just six times in nine games. He also posted a 72.4 completion percentage.

Raiola's 2025 campaign came to an early end due to a broken right fibula that he suffered on Nov. 1.

With the signal-caller's impending departure, Rhule and the Cornhuskers will look for a new starter under center moving forward.

Nebraska currently sits at 7-5, clinching a bowl game appearance for the second consecutive year. Still, the team is looking to make progress in 2026 after compiling a losing record in the Big Ten for the ninth straight season.

The Cornhuskers now turn to the portal for a new quarterback and will attempt to lure athletes to Lincoln following a recent amended agreement with multimedia parter Playfly Sports that adds $10.25 million in NIL funding to the school.

Nebraska has previously found success in the portal, as its 2025 transfer class ranked No. 13 in the country (via 247Sports).

While Cornhuskers freshman TJ Lateef could also be in the mix for the team's 2026 starting quarterback job, expect the team to bring in some competition.