Breaking: Matt Rhule sets offseason goals for Dylan Raiola to make Nebraska ‘his team….

**Breaking: Matt Rhule Sets Offseason Goals for Dylan Raiola to Make Nebraska ‘His Team’**

As the Nebraska Cornhuskers prepare for the 2025 season, head coach **Matt Rhule** has outlined clear goals for freshman quarterback **Dylan Raiola**. Rhule, who is entering his second year as Nebraska’s head coach, has tasked Raiola with making the team his own and stepping into a leadership role right away. The Cornhuskers are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2024 season, and Rhule believes Raiola’s potential is key to the program’s success.

### **Building Around Raiola**
Raiola, a **five-star recruit** and the **No. 1 overall quarterback** in the 2024 class, committed to Nebraska after initially being a long-time Georgia commit. His decision to flip to the Cornhuskers was a major win for Rhule, and the team is now focused on helping him succeed right away. According to Rhule, the offseason is critical for Raiola’s development as both a player and a leader.

“This has to be Dylan’s team,” Rhule said in a recent interview. “He has the talent, the drive, and the leadership qualities to lead this program back to where it belongs. He needs to take charge of this offense and get comfortable with his teammates.”

The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Raiola has been lauded for his arm strength, mobility, and football IQ. Rhule wants him to become more vocal and assertive as the face of the program. The head coach is stressing that Raiola’s development as a leader will be just as important as his on-field skills.

### **Offseason Goals: Leadership and Consistency**
In addition to refining his mechanics and becoming more consistent with his throws, Rhule is encouraging Raiola to focus on building relationships with his teammates, especially the wide receivers and offensive linemen. The Nebraska offense struggled with consistency last season, and having Raiola emerge as the team’s clear leader is seen as the first step in turning things around.

One of Raiola’s primary offseason goals is to build chemistry with the Cornhuskers’ receiving corps. He has already begun working closely with **Dane Key**, the transfer wide receiver from Kentucky, as well as Nebraska’s returning talent. The addition of Key, along with other transfers, is expected to provide Raiola with a solid group of weapons to target in the passing game.

“We need Dylan to take the reins,” Rhule said. “He has to get to know these guys, develop trust, and understand the offense inside and out. The work he puts in now will set the tone for the season ahead.”

### **High Expectations for Raiola and Nebraska**
As the Cornhuskers head into the 2025 season, all eyes will be on Raiola and how quickly he can adjust to college football. With Rhule’s leadership and the right supporting cast around him, Raiola has the tools to make Nebraska a contender in the Big Ten. However, as Rhule emphasized, it will ultimately be up to Raiola to seize control and make the team his own.