Matt Rhule’s To-Do List for Dylan Raiola to Become a ‘Great’ Nebraska Quarterback
In the ever-evolving world of college football, the Nebraska Cornhuskers are in desperate need of a new era of excellence. With the announcement that Dylan Raiola, a 2024 five-star quarterback, has committed to the Cornhuskers, all eyes are on head coach Matt Rhule to steer this young talent toward greatness. But in order for Raiola to truly fulfill his potential, Rhule’s roadmap for success isn’t just about on-field skill—it’s about molding Raiola into a leader, a strategist, and an athlete capable of overcoming Nebraska’s recent tumultuous years.
1. Establishing a Solid Foundation with the Fundamentals
The first item on Rhule’s to-do list should be to ensure Raiola masters the fundamentals of quarterback play. Rhule, known for his meticulous attention to detail, will want Raiola to perfect the basics—footwork, ball placement, and throwing mechanics. Raiola has all the natural talent in the world, but if he doesn’t learn to control his throws under pressure and develop a consistent rhythm, his potential will remain untapped. Rhule’s program at Nebraska needs to incorporate drills that mimic in-game situations, teaching Raiola to throw accurately on the move and in tight windows.
2. Mental Toughness and Adaptability
Raiola’s athleticism might be undeniable, but it’s his mental fortitude that will define him as a quarterback. Rhule must create an environment where Raiola can develop mental toughness and resilience. The Big Ten is a brutal conference, where quarterbacks face ferocious defenses every week. For Raiola to thrive, Rhule needs to instill a mindset that pushes Raiola to remain calm in chaos. Rhule’s past experience with quarterbacks like Temple’s Phillip Walker and Baylor’s Charlie Brewer proves he understands the mental game, and Raiola must learn how to read defenses quickly, adapt to new schemes, and stay focused even when things aren’t going well.
3. Building Chemistry with His Receiving Corps
Great quarterbacks don’t succeed in a vacuum. They rely heavily on their wide receivers to make plays, but this requires chemistry—something that can only be cultivated with time. Rhule will need to ensure Raiola is developing rapport with the Cornhuskers’ receiving corps, which has struggled to find consistency in recent years. Understanding each receiver’s strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies will allow Raiola to make quicker decisions and connect on critical throws. Rhule’s offensive philosophy will need to create a dynamic passing game, one that encourages Raiola to grow with the offense, rather than forcing him to carry the burden alone.
4. Implementing a Pro-Style System with Flexibility
While Rhule’s roots in a pro-style offense at Temple and Baylor suggest a traditional approach, he must recognize that college football is evolving. Raiola is the prototypical modern quarterback, capable of making both plays inside the pocket and outside of it. To make Raiola great, Rhule needs to implement a system that allows flexibility—one that utilizes both traditional dropbacks and designed run-pass options (RPOs) to keep defenses guessing. This will maximize Raiola’s strengths while exposing defenses’ vulnerabilities.
5. Creating a Competitive Quarterback Room
Rhule must foster an environment where Raiola feels pushed to be his best every day. This means creating a competitive quarterback room where Raiola knows he’s not entitled to the starting position, no matter how much hype he’s getting. While this might sound controversial for a five-star recruit, the reality is that competition breeds excellence. Rhule will need to bring in capable quarterbacks to challenge Raiola for the job, ensuring that he doesn’t become complacent. Under Rhule, every starting spot, including quarterback, must be earned.
6. Handling the Weight of Expectations
Finally, Rhule must help Raiola navigate the massive expectations that come with being the savior of Nebraska football. The Cornhuskers’ storied history has set an unattainable bar for most recruits, and the weight of that can sometimes be overwhelming. Rhule needs to manage Raiola’s expectations carefully, ensuring he focuses on the process rather than the result. Only by taking it one step at a time can Raiola develop into the transcendent quarterback Nebraska desperately needs.
In conclusion, if Matt Rhule is to help Dylan Raiola become a ‘great’ Nebraska quarterback, his to-do list is long and full of difficult tasks. Rhule must create a balanced program that focuses on both the technical aspects of the game and the mental development required to thrive at the highest level. The stakes couldn’t be higher—Nebraska’s future as a football powerhouse rests on the shoulders of Raiola, and Rhule has the blueprint to make it happen.
