Since arriving on campus, Dylan Raiola has been tasked with saving the Nebraska offense. Raiola, a former big-time recruit, got his feet wet as a true freshman during the 2024 season. Now, folks in Lincoln are hoping he can take the Huskers to the next level. Talent surrounding him needed an upgrade, though. And thankfully, […]
Since arriving on campus, Dylan Raiola has been tasked with saving the Nebraska offense. Raiola, a former big-time recruit, got his feet wet as a true freshman during the 2024 season. Now, folks in Lincoln are hoping he can take the Huskers to the next level.
Talent surrounding him needed an upgrade, though. And thankfully, results coming out of preseason camps are positive ones. Josh Pate has heard there is some excitement about what Raiola will have at his disposal this year.
“The feedback we’re getting is the wide receiver group and the running back group is much better than anticipated,” Pate said on Thursday via Josh Pate’s College Football Show. “Now, that doesn’t mean that they thought they were going to be terrible. It’s just the group, especially the depth at wide receiver, the quality of player there, is just better.
“You pair that with Dylan Raiola, another year of experience-wise, teaming up with (offensive coordinator) Dana Holgerson. I just think the offense and the level of production from that offense — the explosivity from that offense — maybe takes some people by surprise this year.”
Pate did not give out any specific names about who is impressing. Fans will likely tell you they do not care exactly who steps up. As long as some of the explosivity Pate mentions eventually shows up on the field.
Nebraska did some work at wide receiver through the NCAA transfer portal this offseason. Two came via the Kentucky Wildcats, most notably Dane Key. An impressive 47 receptions for 715 yards and two touchdowns were put up by Key in his final season with UK. Nyziah Hunter is another transfer with buzz after 578 yards and five touchdowns on 40 catches at Cal.
As for running back, head coach Matt Rhule recently spoke on the depth inside the program. He believes people from the outside are going to be surprised at what Nebraska puts out there.
“There’s a misconception out there,” Rhule said. “We got great backs. If anybody thinks we don’t have three great backs, then I can’t wait for them to see these guys.”
Two weeks separate us from now and Nebraska’s season opener. Arrowhead Stadium will host the Huskers and Cincinnati Bearcats for an exciting kickoff to the season. Raiola appears to have some weapons surrounding him. Hopefully, the in-camp buzz translates in a big way on Aug. 28 and beyond.
Category: General Sports
