iStockphoto
Nebraska is picking up major steam on the recruiting trail, getting in the mix for five-star passer Dylan Raiola. The quarterback, who’s currently committed to Georgia, is trending towards the Cornhuskers.
That news has Nebraska fans riled up on social media.
The Huskers had one of the nation’s most inept offensive units in 2023, ranking 120th in the country in scoring at just 18 points per game. Many of those struggles were due to inconsistency under center.
Transfer Jeff Sims started five games, completing less than 60% of his passes and throwing six interceptions to just one touchdown. Chubba Purdy and Heinrich Haarberg split the rest of the reps, combining for nine scores and 10 picks while completing 50% of their attempts.
As a result, Nebraska finished the year 5-7 missing out on a bowl game in Matt Rhule’s first year.
Have no fear, help could be on the way!
The Cornhuskers have gained some major momentum on the recruiting trail this week, now having the possibility of landing two of the nation’s most coveted signal callers.
First, Ohio State transfer Kyle McCord began trending to Lincoln, which would give Rule both experience and production at the offense’s most important position.
McCord led the Buckeyes to an 11-1 overall record, helping receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. become a Heisman candidate. The passer was on campus Monday for an official visit, along with Ohio State teammate Julian Fleming.
If that wasn’t enough to get the fanbase excited, the Cornhuskers got more good news surrounding another quarterback on the hunt to find a college home.
Dylan Raiola is the top-ranked passer in the 2024 recruiting class, and while he’s currently committed to Georgia, he’s been trending towards a flip to Nebraska.
Flipped my 247Sports Crystal Ball to #Nebraska for five-star QB Dylan Raiola. https://t.co/6OevNXYpt2
— Steve Wiltfong (@SWiltfong247) December 11, 2023
Husker Nation is freaking out over the recruiting news.
“WE ARE SO BACK BABY!”
“Matt Rhule is the man. I still don’t understand how this is possible!”
“Could Nebraska finally be waking up? I think so.”
“DON’T GET MY HOPES UP!”
Raiola has family ties in Lincoln, making this reported interest even more legitimate. His father played football for Nebraska in the late 1990s/early 2000s. He was a second-round NFL Draft pick in 2001.
Raiola’s uncle is also the offensive line coach for the Cornhuskers, being the only person retained from the Scott Frost staff.
Should both McCord and Raiola choose the Huskers, it would create an interesting dynamic in the quarterback room. Nebraska already has a commitment from incoming freshman Daniel Kaelin.
Rhule and Co. have already spoken with Kaelin, saying they will honor his commitment no matter what happens with the other two passers.
Sources: Nebraska coaches have communicated with in-state QB commitment Daniel Kaelin that they are again in contention for a commitment from Top 10 recruit Dylan Raiola, who is committed to UGA. Nebraska coaches have made clear that they still would honor Kaelin’s commitment.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 12, 2023
All of that being said, Raiola still hasn’t decommitted from UGA. It will be an interesting storyline to follow throughout the remainder of his recruitment.