Quarterback Dylan Raiola continues to accept the challenges faced by Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule.
Raiola Conquers Complacency, Readies for 2025 Challenges
Somewhere in the Marvel Universe, Ben Parker explained to his future web-slinging nephew about the correlation between power and responsibility. Meanwhile, head coach Matt Rhule lays down the gauntlet in Lincoln, Neb. Like most coaches, Rhule does not want his quarterback to rest upon his 2024 laurels and coast through the spring, developing lazy habits.
Regardless of the face, Raiola completed 67.1% of his passes, leading the team to a Pinstripe Bowl victory over Boston College. Those stats, wins, and bowl play exist solely in history. On top of that, Rhule wants Raiola to keep pushing and working on every aspect of his game. Most importantly, the head coach cited conditioning, stating:
“I think now, he has to step up and lead. He’s working on his body composition. He won’t be a great quarterback at 240 pounds. He is getting his body composition to where one can be fleeting of feet and slide nimbly in the pocket. Slide nimbly in the pocket. Convert third downs with his feet. We’ve bought into that, and he needs to continue to do that. So, there are things that he needs to work on.”
Matt Rhule talking about Dylan Raiola and what he is working on for year 2‼️
“He’s really working on his body composition. He won’t be a great quarterback at 240 pounds.” pic.twitter.com/VX5Z5yoHTv
— THE CORNHUSKER STATE (@GBRSKERZ) March 12, 2025
Rhule stated that his quarterback must lay off the runza (statewide delicacy) and solely focus on the training. Although listed at 230 pounds in last season’s biography, Rhule’s pointed specificity with throwing out 240 pounds means something.
Somewhere last season, the sophomore gained weight. To the coach’s chagrin, Nebraska’s signal-caller looked slower and less agile than he should.
The Importance of Training Mind and Body
Nothing Rhule said seemed untrue. Additionally, the phrasing did not cross a line of disrespect. As a result, the onus falls upon Raiola’s shoulders to rapidly improve—part of quarterback training centers on focusing the mind and body.
Moreover, discipline and dietary choices start in the brain. From there, if strictly adhered to, the body follows suit. This isn’t high school where you can genuinely coast against inferior competition. FBS football, especially defenses, plays faster, thinks quickly, and, by extension, hits harder. Raiola cannot stand in the pocket of a statue. Not only will defenses tee off, but those negative losses build up and will eventually hurt the offense.
2025 Expectations
7-6 doesn’t fly in Lincoln. Remember, the school fired Scott Frost for not achieving the Nebraska historical standard. Frost played quarterback at the school and won games. While they won’t fire Rhule, the head coach will actively seek a replacement. Imbued with an eight-figure contract, he will not hesitate to make changes if 2025 goes sideways.
It doesn’t matter that Raiola is a member of Cornhusker football royalty. Rhule doesn’t possess any familial ties in the community. Yet, he understands the landscape of the ever-improving Big Ten. The conference added four Pac-12 schools in the last couple of years. As a result, Nebraska needs to avoid losing against lesser teams and hopefully pull out an upset or two.
Overview
While not in the coach’s doghouse, Raiola must improve through a stronger work ethic and forgetting the past.
Rhule is a veteran coach who understands the Huskers’ position in the pecking order. They don’t want to just float along, treading water, while Michigan, Ohio State, and Oregon glide along, overlooking Nebraska, on their way to the CFP.
KEEP READING: ‘It’s Hard Not To Like Dylan’ — New Nebraska WR Coach Highly Impressed With Dylan Raiola’s Work Ethic
The extra practice reps, conditioning drills, and film study could benefit Raiola in the long run. He controls Nebraska’s offense, and he needs to improve it so that the team can exceed expectations.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
