Remember the time when Matt Rhule made other programs jealous before the 2024 kickoff? After all, he had the Patrick Mahomes’ doppelganger, his QB Dylan Raiola. That was enough of a warning for the rivals to stay away from messing with them. Even though Raiola failed to live up to being the Mahomes clone on the gridiron, Rhule is not going to leave him at any cost. Looks like the QB is already receiving calls from the NFL. The current time is even more sensitive now that the transfer portal has opened its gates. That’s when Rhule cooked up a plan to make Raiola happy. It’s Mission: Georgia Target, folks! 

In the 2024 season, Dylan Raiola must have lost all his superpowers. Going by the stats, the QB has been pressured on 32.2% of his dropbacks this season and sacked 18 times. But Rhule, being Rhule, did not take much time and found the elephant in the room! He demoted their OC, Marcus Satterfield, and appointed Dana Holgorsen. If you think that’s all the HC had to offer about the changes, then hold on!

On December 4, Nebraska announced Daikiel Shorts as their new WR coach. And guess who showed interest within hours of Shorts’ commitment? None other than the Kentucky Wildcats receiver Dane Key. However, it’s not going to be a smooth ride for the Huskers. On the On3 podcast, analyst Pete Nakos stated, “Dane Key, another intriguing option.”

Nakos further added, “He actually had a better season in Kentucky this year..so the two schools to watch here are Georgia who obviously needs another SEC school.” But it looks like Rhule and Co. already have the key. As the analyst stated, “His old wide receivers coach is now at Nebraska so by no means is Nebraska like a walk or anything like that, but Nebraska is just one school to keep an eye on.” Here is where the plot starts to thicken!

Apparently, it’s obvious for Key to go for Kirby Smart’s Georgia instead of Rhule’s Huskers. But not to forget, Nebraska now has someone with whom Key shares an old bond. That’s the new Huskers’ WR coach, Shorts, whose last stop was Kentucky. Other than Key, they announced their intent to land Fresno State linebacker Phoenix Jackson. And as we all know, the coach is considered a great recruiter. That’s how Rhule will hit two targets with one arrow! 

Matt Rhule found the key to Dylan Raiola’s happiness

Things are pretty hot in the Nebraska hood. The fans now have kept a close eye on their favorite QB’s social media actions. And while doing so, a few days back they went into a complete panic mode. On December 3, the transfer portal was yet to open its gates. That’s when Raiola thought of keeping the fans on their toes as he came up with an intriguing post. The caption read, “Patience…stay on that side.” So, it was evident from the post how Rhule’s QB is in dire need of patience to continue with the program. 

Now how could the HC just stay calm when his signal-caller is in such trouble? By hook or by crook, he has to make Raiola happy. As Josh Newberg predicted, “Nebraska is going to do everything they can to make sure Dylan Raiola is happy. That means that the wide receiver room is getting revamped, and that’s not going to come at a cheap price. Some teams need weapons.” Rhule went to great extents, shelling out a whopping $1.2 million for the coaching roster revamp. Looks like he has finally found the key to unlocking his QB’s happiness.

That has to be none other than Dane Key. Matt Rhule and the Nebraska fans took no time to find out that Dylan Raiola had started following the wideout from Kentucky. The timing also says a lot of things, as the QB hit the follow button right after the athlete hinted at a transfer. However, Raiola can’t be blamed either. Key has been the leading WR who hauled down 47 receptions for 715 yards and 2 touchdowns. Can’t wait for Raiola’s smile to make a comeback.