Nebraska Looks at New QBs as Dylan Raiola Rumors Grow

Nebraska fans have seen this situation before. Last year, people talked about quarterback Dylan Raiola possibly leaving, but the Huskers managed to keep him. This time, the worry feels a lot more real. His younger brother, Dayton Raiola, recently decommitted, and that only made the rumors stronger. If Dylan Raiola decides to enter the transfer portal, head coach Matt Rhule will need a strong backup plan.

Here are three quarterbacks who could fit well in Rhule’s offense if Nebraska needs a new starter.

Taron Dickens: Big Numbers, Bigger Confidence

Western Carolina quarterback Taron Dickens is one of the most exciting names in the portal. When news broke that he plans to transfer, his stats grabbed everyone’s attention. Dickens led all levels of college football with 425.4 passing yards per game and threw 38 touchdowns with only two interceptions. He even set an NCAA record with 50 straight completions.

In nine starts, Dickens passed 300 yards seven times and went over 400 yards four times. His best game was a huge 582-yard performance against Samford. He finished the season with 3,508 passing yards and almost no mistakes. If Nebraska wants a clean, steady, and explosive quarterback, Dickens may be the safest choice.

Drew Mestemaker: A Rising Star in the FBS

North Texas quarterback Drew Mestemaker has quickly become one of the top young passers in the country. The redshirt freshman leads the entire FBS with 3,469 passing yards and has 26 touchdowns with a 70% completion rate.

He threw for 609 yards against Charlotte, breaking both school and conference records. With head coach Eric Morris leaving for Oklahoma State, people are wondering if Mestemaker will transfer too. Nebraska could give him a big opportunity and a clear path to being the QB1 if Raiola leaves.

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele: A Freshman With Huge Potential

Cal’s young quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele could also be on the move after the school fired head coach Justin Wilcox. The freshman already looks like a future star.

Sagapolutele threw for 2,787 yards this season, the most of any true freshman in the country. He earned the starting job over Ohio State transfer Devin Brown and finished the season with a 323-yard upset win over Louisville. With Cal in a tough spot and coaching changes on the way, he might enter the portal. For Nebraska, he could be the closest match to Raiola’s style of play.

Why All Eyes Are on Dylan Raiola

According to CBS Sports reporter Chris Hummer, Nebraska is once again unsure about the future of Dylan Raiola. Matt Rhule didn’t say much about the rumors, but his comments didn’t clear anything up either.

Raiola’s choice won’t be about money. He made $3.5 million this season, and Nebraska’s revenue-share plan is expected to grow next year. His decision will be about timing and his long-term goals. Raiola has thrown for nearly 5,000 yards and 31 touchdowns in two seasons, and he improved almost every stat this year before breaking his fibula.

With teams like Miami, Arizona State, and Penn State watching closely, Nebraska has a reason to worry. And if Raiola does enter the portal, Rhule must have the next quarterback ready to go. That’s why these three names matter so much right now.

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