The spotlight on Nebraska football has never been hotter, and at the center of it all is quarterback Dylan Raiola. At 6’3” and 230 pounds, Raiola isn’t exactly a featherweight, and that’s got head coach Matt Rhule laser-focused on one thing: getting his young star in peak condition. The pressure isn’t just on Raiola—it’s on Rhule too. Nebraska is banking on their prized five-star recruit to be the game-changer they desperately need. But is his size helping or hurting his game?
The Weight of Expectations
The conversation around Raiola’s weight exploded after a tight-fitting jersey made him look bulkier than usual in a viral video, sparking concerns that he might be heavier than his listed weight. Fans took notice, and so did Rhule. “He’s really working on his body composition,” Rhule admitted during a March 11 press conference. “He won’t be a great quarterback at 240 pounds. He needs to be fleet of foot, able to slide nimbly, and move within the pocket. Converting third downs with his feet—that’s something we’re all bought into, and he has to continue to work on it.”
To some, Raiola’s build isn’t a red flag. After all, Cam Newton stood at 6’5” and 245 pounds in his prime and dominated the game with his physicality. But Rhule has a different vision for his young quarterback. He wants him leaner, more agile, and more elusive—a true dual-threat who can escape pressure, extend plays, and control the game with more than just his arm.
Why This Matters for Nebraska’s Future
If Nebraska had finished strong last season, Raiola’s weight probably wouldn’t even be a topic of discussion. But when you close out the year with a 7-6 record, critics don’t hold back. CFB analyst Wilson Dittman backed Rhule’s concerns, saying, “Dylan Raiola is going to slim down this summer. It’s the right move. Shedding a few pounds will help his mobility, his elusiveness, and his ability to operate outside the pocket.”
There’s no room for error in 2025. Nebraska fans have been waiting for a quarterback to take them back to national relevance, and Raiola was brought in to be that guy. The expectations are sky-high. His freshman season was a mixed bag—2,819 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions—but Year 2 is where the magic needs to happen.
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
Nebraska’s success this season isn’t just about Raiola—it’s about Rhule proving he can turn this program into a true Big Ten contender. With a 12-13 record over two seasons, the pressure is mounting. If Nebraska struggles again, the critics will turn their focus from Raiola’s weight to Rhule’s job security.
On3’s J.D. PicKell summed up the stakes best: “This is Dylan Raiola’s team. We go as he goes. He’s the leader. He’s the QB1. That’s our guy. We follow 15. You didn’t bring a five-star recruit here to sit on the bench. You brought him here to compete for a Big Ten title and make a playoff push.”
But Rhule isn’t leaving anything to chance. He’s enlisted the help of offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen, an experienced offensive mind who led West Virginia for eight seasons before moving to Houston. Holgorsen’s track record is solid—61-41 at WVU and 31-28 at Houston—but now, his biggest challenge is shaping Raiola into an elite quarterback.
A New-Look Nebraska Faces a Tough Road Ahead
The 2025 season won’t be a cakewalk for Nebraska. The team has lost key defensive players like Ty Robinson, Nash Hutmacher, Isaac Gifford, and John Bullock. To fill the gaps, they’ve brought in eight new defensive transfers, including standout LB Marques Watson-Trent and edge rusher Williams Nwaneri. But with a defense in transition, the pressure on Raiola to produce is even higher.
And let’s not forget: Raiola was sacked 27 times last season. If Nebraska can’t protect him, all the weight loss in the world won’t save their season.
The countdown is on. Raiola is slimming down. Rhule is doubling down. And Nebraska? They’re either about to make a serious run in the Big Ten or face another year of disappointment.
One thing’s for sure: The 2025 season just became must-watch television.
