Dylan Raiola trends with transfer portal news, one day after his idol suffers season-ending injury

Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola is expected to enter the transfer portal, according to multiple reports. A move that came one day after his football idol, Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes, suffered a season-ending knee injury.

Raiola spent the past two seasons in Lincoln and will have two years of eligibility remaining. A former five-star recruit, Raiola arrived at Nebraska as one of the top signees in program history but leaves amid a period of transition for the Cornhuskers.

Raiola was limited to nine games during the 2025 season because of injury. He threw for 2,000 yards with 18 touchdowns and six interceptions, completing 72.4% of his passes. Over his career, he totaled 4,819 passing yards, 31 touchdowns and 17 interceptions while completing 69.1% of his attempts.

Sources: Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola intends to enter the NCAA transfer portal. He’s a true sophomore who has two years of eligibility remaining. He threw for 18 touchdowns, 2000 yards and completed 72.4% of his passes this year. pic.twitter.com/Frt7QgFN57

A member of the Class of 2024, Raiola starred at Buford High School in Georgia and was ranked as the No. 3 quarterback and No. 21 overall prospect nationally, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking. He famously flipped his commitment from Georgia to Nebraska, a recruiting win that helped energize the program under coach Matt Rhule.

Reports surfaced in late November that Raiola was considering leaving Nebraska after the season, though Rhule said at the time he was unaware of any plans. “I haven’t seen that report,” Rhule said then. “I love Dylan like I love all my guys.”

Raiola’s decision also follows recent changes within the program. Nebraska fired offensive line coach Donovan Raiola, Dylan’s uncle, earlier this month. Additionally, Dylan’s younger brother, Dayton Raiola, a three-star quarterback in the 2026 class, recently decommitted from Nebraska.

The timing of Raiola’s portal entry coincided with difficult news at the NFL level for Mahomes, whom Raiola has long cited as an influence on his game. 

Mahomes tore the ACL in his left knee during Kansas City’s Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers and will miss the remainder of the season.

Don’t know why this had to happen. And not going to lie it’s hurts. But all we can do now is Trust in God and attack every single day over and over again. Thank you Chiefs kingdom for always supporting me and for everyone who has reached out and sent prayers. I Will be back…

The former NFL MVP suffered the injury after being tackled from behind and was helped off the field. An MRI confirmed the diagnosis, with the Chiefs announcing they are exploring surgical options.

For Raiola, the portal now offers a chance to reset his college career as he searches for his next opportunity.

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