If there’s one thing we’ve learned about Dylan Raiola this season, it’s that even the most hyped prodigies sometimes fall flat. Nebraska’s golden boy, the QB with Mahomes-level swagger and comparisons to NFL big-time legends, had a freshman season that felt more like JV tryouts. With 2,595 passing yards, a mere 12 touchdowns, and 10 picks, Raiola’s stats were like that kid in gym class who talks a big game but fumbles the dodgeball.

Nebraska’s 6-6 record didn’t help either. The team literally put the keys to the offense in the hands of an 19-year-old and said, “Drive it like a Lamborghini.” Spoiler alert: they hit a pothole—or 6. They said to a freshman, ‘ Go kid, make it happen.’ And unfortunately, it didn’t work out well, though. But hey, at least Raiola’s got a taste in winners.

On Dec 16th, while his football season was sitting on ice, Dylan was courtside at Nebraska’s historical volleyball game, vibing hard like they’re already in the playoffs. And who wouldn’t for that volleyball team? Nebraska’s volleyball team is on low-key demon time right now. They swept the Wisconsin Badgers in straight sets, punched their ticket to the NCAA semis, and had the arena louder than Memorial Stadium.

Dylan was living for it, posting three IG stories—one hyping the crowd, one hyping Louisville (where Nebraska volleyball plays semi’s next against the winner of Creighton vs. Penn State), and one giving props to the squad: “Different 🏆.” You gotta respect the kid for riding the winners’ wave when his own season hit rock bottom. And honestly, he looked happier in the crowd than he did on the field all season.

Look, it’s no secret Nebraska football fans were expecting miracles from their top-ranked freshman. When Dylan committed, it was like Christmas came early—except Santa forgot to deliver the offensive line and some experience under Raiola’s belt. Head coach Matt Rhule didn’t make things easier either. Throwing a rookie into the Big Ten without fully developing him? Bold move, coach. No wonder why the Carolina Panthers fired him.

Sure, the team started strong, going 3–0 after wins against Northern Iowa and Wisconsin, but the wheels came off quicker than a bad Walmart cart. The Cornhuskers became bowl eligible for the first time since 2016, but nobody’s handing out trophies for mediocrity.

Dylan Raiola and Nebraska football’s high hopes come crashing down

Let’s be real: Nebraska football started the season as the talk of the town and ended it as the punchline. Expectations were sky high for Matt Rhule’s second year, and for a minute, it looked like the Cornhuskers might deliver. But consistency? That’s a word they’re still Googling. A few flashes of brilliance couldn’t mask the glaring gaps in their game.

Raiola, as talented as he is, looked more like a kid playing catch with his cousins than the next Patrick Mahomes. Blame the hype, blame the playbook, blame the universe—it all added up to one underwhelming season.

Now, with the Pinstripe Bowl around the corner, Boston College had a low-key better season than Cornhusker with a 7-5 record. Nebraska has a chance for redemption. But honestly, this isn’t about the W at Yankee Stadium. It’s about setting the tone for 2025. Raiola has all the tools to succeed: a rocket arm, that Mahomes-like ability to improvise, and a mindset tougher than frozen turf. If Nebraska can focus on development, build around their young QB, and—oh—find an offensive line that doesn’t fold every time the D-line barely touches, they might actually live up to the hype. Until then, we’ll keep vibing with the better Nebraska team (volleyball) and hoping for better days ahead.