Nebraska’s star Dylan Raiola, doesn’t only possess a cannon of an arm, he also has a big heart out for his family. While fans are pumped about his football skills, Raiola has many trump cards in his wallet. Family is extremely important to him as he joins the role of the leader of the Nebraska football team to right the ship after a legendary icon has exited the team. His dad Dominic Raiola, prominent, a football star at the University of Nebraska, and later in the NFL, is always by his side.

The latest freshman sensation didn’t just wish his sister on the social account of Instagram; instead, he wrote a sweet message. Hugging his sister in the picture, Raiola wrote: “Happy Birthday to the BEST sister on this planet!! So thankful God blessed our family with a sister like you!! Couldn’t be more proud to call you my sister! Truly my best friend! I hope you have a great birthday! I love you so much!!!!!!!❤️” That heartfelt note is a manifestation of another personality of the 6’3”, 230-pound quarterback, that people refer to as the next Mahomes.

It was not a direct route to Nebraska for Dylan Raiola. As a five-star recruit, he could’ve gone to any of the top schools of his choice. Georgia, Ohio State, and even USC are a few of the wonderful institutions that desired him badly. However, when it came right down to it, what everybody least expected was that Raiola elected to go to Nebraska. The feeling got to his dad, who played as a center for Cornhuskers, as he watched his son performing the first Tunnel Walk for the season. Dominick, who was reflecting on the events, said: “It’s a freaking special place, man. It’s not like everywhere else.” And he’s right.

Nebraska has not been top-ranked in college football for some time now. No national titles in years, and no Bowl games since 2016. But Dylan Raiola never chose Nebraska for the appearance. He picked it to revive a legacy. “God has different plans for me”. Before he informed his family about his decision, he said to them that he wanted to do something more meaningful than becoming a champion for Georgia which is already packed with championships thus he felt committed. That bold move made headlines – in a 40-7 rout of UTEP, Raiola played the field and passed for 238 yards and two scores. Wide receiver Jahmal Banks mused that it is a ‘killer mentality’ Dylan has had since he first arrived. “He’s been having that in his eyes since he got on campus,” Banks said, adding, “Like, ‘I’m humble, but I’m him.” Nebraska fans couldn’t agree more.

As you can see, Dylan is a natural-born talent on the field, he is humble and he has a strong family-oriented principle. The Raiola family is small but close, and it is no wonder they were praying ahead of the game on the sideline of the Memorial Stadium, before his debut. When he was in high school, Dylan’s mom maintained this tradition, and even today, when they are performing in a stadium full of 86 thousand fans – they do this.

Family, faith, and football – the Raiola way

The Raiolas know well when football is important – it is always a priority to family. “Family is everything to us,” Nebraska’s Offensive Line Coach, Dylan’s uncle, Donovan Raiola said. And indeed that strong family support is in detail a large part of what motivates Dylan throughout the games as well as in his daily life. The Mahomes comparisons are still made, yet Dylan remains grounded. Although it does not bother him when people compare him with the NFL superstar, he’s quick to clarify that he’s his player. Sure, he rocks the number 15 jersey, but for him, it must be more about commending Tim Tebow rather than emulating Mahomes.

However, the Mahomes-like, plays will, so never be in doubt. Third-and-11 against UTEP in the first quarter was a side-armed dart by Dylan that got fans excited. “He was like a freakin’ surgeon,” Satterfield, the Nebraska, match’s offense coordinator, had this to say about Raiola’s accuracy during the the match. Yet, as much as Dylan concentrates on football, it’s their heritage and faith that help him to stay. His dad summed it up perfectly: “When you wear your name on the back of your jersey and walk around town, your last name represents a lot of people, not just yourself.” Dylan knows that there are loads attached to people with Raiola’s name but he is willing to bear the loads.

When Nebraska starts over again under head coach Matt Rhule, Dylan Raiola must serve at the center of that revival. But, he is not just another five-star recruit—-he is a manpower by faith, family, and desire to get Nebraska back on top. Through the Raiola family members, both the physical support at the sidelines and the faith in his heart, Dylan is ready to face anything coming his way, whether it is tossing coins or showering affection on his sister.

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