For the first time since it was reported on Monday, Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule addressed quarterback Dylan Raiola‘s transfer Wednesday night on the Huskers Radio Network.

Raiola spent nearly two seasons as the Cornhuskers’ starting quarterback, leading his team to a 13-9 record over that span. He suffered a season-ending injury in Nebraska‘s 21-17 loss to USC on Nov. 1 that effectively ended his stint in Lincoln.

“If he needs a fresh start I’m going to pray that he finds the right place and that he has so much success,” Rhule said. “With that being said, there’s a lot of great QBs out there and a lot of guys who want to play at Nebraska.”

Matt Rhule on Dylan Raiola’s transfer on the Huskers Radio Network:

“If he needs a fresh start I’m going to pray that he finds the right place and that he has so much success. With that being said, there’s a lot of great QBs out there and a lot of guys want to play at Nebraska.”

— Luke Mullin (@LjsLuke) December 18, 2025

Raiola, who was the No. 3 ranked quarterback in the Class of 2024, was expected to bring winning back to Nebraska in a big way. He however never quite reached those heights and will now be spending the remainder of his college eligibility at a different school. Programs such as Georgia, Ohio State, Texas, USC, Alabama, and Oregon originally recruited him out of high school.

Dana Holgerson says Nebraska staff has been ‘actively watching quarterbacks’

“You get the best available,” offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen said following Raiola’s transfer. “Is it a pocket guy? Is it a dual-threat guy, more of a runner. You look at the overall body of work. It’s just so different now. We’re actively watching quarterbacks, and have been watching quarterbacks to try to make those decisions.”

“We got a whole personnel department that’s been doing it. It’s every position, and those guys have been doing that for months. It’s just about looking and seeing what’s available. … The way I look at it is you get the best player you can. We can mold our coaching around what the best player is and what those skill sets are. Mobility is important. I think TJ [Lateef] brings an element of mobility that is refreshing and helpful, but you got to have that ability to be able to sit in the pocket and make the throws as well.”

Across two seasons, Raiola accrued 4,819 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions. He instantly becomes one of the most sought after quarterbacks to enter the Transfer Portal, joining former Florida quarterback DJ Lagway, former North Texas quarterback Drew Mestemaker, and former Cincinnati quarterback Brennan Sorsby.