Let’s discuss Nebraska football, but where should we start? It’s an old sitcom with the same cast but new plots, keeping you engaged with curiosity. Step in, Dylan Raiola. The golden boy with a cannon for an arm and a grin that could probably sell out Memorial Stadium two times over. This kid has the type of ability that makes fans wish for a return to the good old days. Facing pressure as programs face due to lucrative pay to prevent school switches.

Dylan Raiola’s first year at Nebraska was pretty much a highlight reel with a dash of “Wait, did that just happen?” He passed for 2,819 yards, which, for a true freshman, is like arriving at the party and being the life of the party right away. Throwing more than 67% of his passes? That’s not only good—that’s historical for Nebraska freshmen. Yes, he threw 13 touchdowns but 11 interceptions as well—because, hey, even the best sometimes have their “oops” moments.

On the offensive side of things, Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule made a significant change during the 2024 season. Offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield was demoted to the tight ends coach. As his replacement, Rhule brought in Dana Holgorsen as the play-caller. The key reason for the change was the Huskers’ offensive struggles. Failure to execute on third downs, interceptions, sacks- the whole package. Holgorsen took up the role after the offense averaged around 14.5 points over their last few games. This was in stark contrast to Nebraska’s earlier outings during the 2024 season. In their first five games, they averaged 30.8 points per game.

Naturally, something needed to change. The solution? Matt Rhule’s $1.2M gamble on Holgorsen. On April 24th, Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola gave a press conference where he was asked, “What’s it like playing for Dana?” Holgorsen arrived in Nebraska after a 13-year head coaching odyssey that included piling up 92 victories.

Raiola replied, “It’s a lot of fun, um, I just think our connection, you know, is very strong.” Raiola further added, “He understands our offense and what we’re good at and what we’re not, so we’re constantly being in positions to make plays, and also you know, to be successful.” 

In the last four games of the 2024 season with Holgorsen as their OC, the Huskers went 2-2, including an emphatic victory in the bowl game. The highlight of this period came against Wisconsin when the offense racked up 44 points on a hapless Badgers’ defense. The best part about the victory? A combination of passing and rushing offense. Dylan Raiola had 298 yards on 28 out of 38 completions. Add to that 185 rushing yards, and you get a complete offensive performance.

More of the same? If you’re Matt Rhule, you’re going to say, ‘Yes, Please’.

Matt Rhule’s Under-the-Radar Move

Let’s talk about the Nebraska Head Coach. Ah, it wasn’t Matt Rhule’s standard-issue motivational speech or revamped bus playlist. No, Rhule went SEAL Navy on the Cornhuskers, transforming spring practice into something that resembled boot camp. Imagine college athletes transitioning from ramen and highlights to intense SEAL-style training in mud, mats, and loud commands.

Now, how does Dylan Raiola fit into all this? Well, Dylan’s not only the golden-armed QB with lasers on the field; he’s also the leader of the pack through these boot camp workout regimens, proving he’s not all finesse but tough enough to survive the grind. Imagine a five-star freshman doing push-ups and obstacle drills like some kind of SEAL cadet in training.

And so here we are, fondling between Dylan Raiola’s telepathic connection with OC Dana Holgorsen and Matt Rhule’s Navy SEAL boot camp. It feels as if someone fused a Broadway drama with a military training montage and a college football game. Rhule secures locker room, Holgorsen boosts Air Raid, Raiola juggles laser passes amid mud push-ups.