Donovan Raiola, the uncle of Nebraska starting quarterback Dylan Raiola, did not shy away from conflict during his college football career or his six years in the NFL. That continues to be the case today.
The 41-year-old had some choice words for Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell on the field after the game in Lincoln over the weekend.
Raiola is currently in his third year as the offensive line coach of the Cornhuskers. Prior to his 10 years as a coach and his professional career, he was actually a three-time All-Big Ten selection with the Badgers. There was extra motivation to defeat his alma mater on Saturday.
Dylan, Donovan’s five-star freshman nephew (and Patrick Mahomes cosplayer), completed 28 passes for 293 yards and a touchdown during Nebraska’s 44-25 victory over Wisconsin. The offensive line also cleared the way for 180 yards rushing.
Donovan Raiola was thrilled with the outcome, which came on the back(s) of his position group. The Cornhuskers became bowl eligible for the first time since 2016 so the fans ran onto the field as soon as the clock hit zero. It was not a full-blown field storm, but it was at least a heavy drizzle and there was a metaphorical clap of thunder or two.
NEBRASKA FANS STORMING THE FIELD!!! 🌽 pic.twitter.com/ii9e2vZSyc
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 23, 2024
Security was heightened because the fans were on the field. Police officers involved with the safety efforts were on edge.
As a result, Donovan Raiola was on the wrong end of an awkward exchange.
He chirped at Luke Fickell while the Wisconsin head coach made his way off of the field alongside his offensive line coach, Casey Rabach. That prompted an officer to get involved after seemingly getting orders to do so. Raiola was grabbed by the arm and initially chastised for whatever he had to say. They eventually cleared the air after a brief discussion and went their separate ways.
What’s the situation here with Luke Fickell and this Husker? #Huskers #Badgers 🌽 pic.twitter.com/xTUxbKIAuL
— Mike DiGiacomo (@MikeDiGiacomo) November 24, 2024
The entire exchange looked like a big misunderstanding and could’ve been avoided. We don’t know what Raiola said to Fickell, but it probably wasn’t bad enough to warrant a physical police response.
Neither Wisconsin nor Nebraska has released a statement about what happened. Neither Fickell nor Raiola addressed the incident. Bygones are bygones.