Nebraska Football: Pocket Mobility Among Areas of Improvement for Dylan Raiola in 2025
As Dylan Raiola steps into his second season with Nebraska football in 2025, expectations are mounting for the highly-touted quarterback. The 6’3″, 220-pound star, who has earned his reputation for a strong arm and impeccable football IQ, now faces a new challenge: becoming more mobile in the pocket. While his raw talent is undeniable, it’s his ability to adapt and evolve as a more elusive quarterback that could determine whether Nebraska’s hopes of competing for Big Ten titles will materialize under head coach Matt Rhule.
Raiola’s first season was a mixed bag—there were flashes of brilliance, especially in the way he dissected defenses from a stationary position. His poise in the pocket, ability to read coverages, and confidence to push the ball downfield were evident. However, as the season progressed, it became clear that one of his key weaknesses—his lack of pocket mobility—was holding him back. Against faster, more aggressive defenses, Raiola struggled when pressured, often unable to evade defenders or extend plays. His reluctance to move outside the pocket led to several missed opportunities and unnecessary sacks, something that will need to change if Nebraska is to rise in the competitive Big Ten.
The criticism has been swift but fair. Analysts point out that while Raiola’s arm strength and decision-making are already well above average, his ability to make plays when the pocket collapses is what separates the good quarterbacks from the great ones. It’s easy to say that pocket mobility is merely an added skill, but in the high-stakes environment of Power Five football, it is becoming increasingly essential. Quarterbacks like Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud and Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy have set a standard with their ability to not just escape pressure but to keep their eyes downfield and make throws on the move.
Raiola’s critics argue that he has shown little interest in developing this area of his game, but this sentiment might be premature. The fact is, it’s not a natural skill for every quarterback, and many young quarterbacks—Raiola included—take time to develop it. The 2025 season is his opportunity to prove that he can evolve. Under the guidance of Rhule and offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield, known for developing quarterbacks, there is hope that Raiola can expand his mobility without sacrificing his overall playing style. Rhule has been open about his desire for his quarterbacks to be dual threats, capable of both passing and making plays with their legs when necessary. It’s a philosophy that will likely be instilled in Raiola throughout the offseason, pushing him to become more comfortable with rolling out, stepping up, and scrambling when the situation demands it.
Some may argue that expecting Raiola to become a mobile quarterback at this stage of his development is too much, that his game is built on pocket precision rather than scrambling abilities. But those critics are missing the point. Mobility in the pocket doesn’t require a quarterback to suddenly turn into a runner; it’s about creating space and time. If Raiola can master the subtle art of moving within the pocket—shifting laterally, stepping up to avoid pressure, and keeping his eyes downfield while doing so—he will immediately become a more dangerous and unpredictable quarterback.
The importance of this development cannot be overstated. In 2025, with an increasingly talented roster around him, Raiola’s growth as a mobile quarterback could determine Nebraska’s success in the Big Ten. With better offensive line play expected, Raiola will have more opportunities to showcase his skill set, but only if he improves his ability to maneuver within the pocket. It’s a gamble, sure, but one that could pay off handsomely in the end.
In the end, if Dylan Raiola is able to evolve into a more mobile quarterback, it won’t just be an improvement—it will be the game-changer Nebraska needs. For now, all eyes are on him. The question is: will he take the next step in his evolution, or will he remain a statue in the pocket, doomed to watch his potential fade away? The clock is ticking, and 2025 is the year for Raiola to answer that question decisively.
