University of Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola is a dude. The five-star freshman is off to a fantastic start during his first season of college football but his cosplay of Patrick Mahomes is starting to get weird if it’s not already.
To make the entire thing even more strange, the former claims that he does not try to copy the latter.
Raiola was the top-ranked prospect in the recruiting Class of 2024 and initially committed to Ohio State. He later flipped his decision to play for his dad’s alma mater.
Upon arrival to Lincoln, the similarities between Raiola and Mahomes in terms of appearance were truly astonishing. The 19-year-old was practically indiscernible from the three-time Super Bowl champion.
That was also true when he showed up to Memorial Stadium ahead of his first-ever start. Raiola looked identical to Mahomes in every single way— all of the way down to his gait. And we’re not even talking about their on-field play. Strictly looks.
Mahomes recently addressed the striking resemblance of Raiola in a very flattering manner. He looked up to Alex Rodriguez growing up and tried to emulate his hero. Nebraska’s electrifying signal-caller is doing the same.
Or is he? Here is where it starts to get murky.
Raiola said during the preseason that he didn’t even like football growing up. As a result, he “didn’t really know about Mahomes” when he first got his hair cut how it is today in the sixth or seventh grade.
He claims the resemblance is not intentional.
I have my own little kick to it, so it’s not completely like him. But I guess if that’s what people want to say, I mean that guy’s one of the best. So it’s cool.
— Dylan Raiola
So… then… what about the rest of his look?
Dylan Raiola is a Patrick Mahomes copycat!
The haircut is one thing. That may not be on purpose. Sure. Fine.
However, Raiola also wears the same facial hair and the same number. He and Mahomes wear the same arm sleeves and wristbands, similar sunglasses and the same towel around their waists.
In addition, Raiola mimics Mahomes’ pregame ritual to the fullest extent.
Dylan Raiola takes his Patrick Mahomes pregame ritual VERY seriously 😮 pic.twitter.com/GSkn0N3sic
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 15, 2024
There is no way that is an accident. It’s not a coincidence.
For a college quarterback to emulate one of the greatest of all-time is not unusual. Especially when they are actually friends in real life and work out together over the summers.
Raiola completed 73.8% of his passes for 670 yards in Nebraska’s first three games. He’s really good.
But with that being said, Dylan Raiola is taking his cosplay to the extreme while actively suggesting that it is not a direct imitation of Patrick Mahomes. That’s where the whole mirroring thing starts to get weird, if it’s not already. Either own it or don’t do it!