Latest news with #Raiola
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Opposing Big Ten quarterback calls Ohio State toughest place he's played
As big as Ohio Stadium is, it can sometimes get a bad rap for how quiet it can be when things aren't going Ohio State's way. And while there is definitely some truth to it that Athletic Director Ross Bjork is working on, there are times when the Horseshoe can be about as loud as any venue in the country. If you don't believe me, maybe listen to opposing players, say like Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola. But first, a quick recap of Railoa and how he made it to Nebraska. He was originally verbally committed to Ohio State, then flipped to Georgia and even enrolled in a high school in the state before flipping again and committing to the Cornhuskers. He has family ties there, so it's no surprise that heading to Nebraska eventually won out. Still, there is some familiarity there between Ryan Day, Raiola, and Ohio State. Back to the big 'ole Horseshoe and how loud it can be, Raiola was asked about the toughest of the six or seven Big Ten stadiums he's played in so far, and he answered without hesitation. "Ohio State -- not even close. You and me wouldn't even be able to talk (speaking from right next to the interviewer)," Raiola said ... "We couldn't talk like this (again pointing directly right next to the question) -- I'd have to be screaming at you." That wasn't the end of the praise from Raiola. He went on to praise the environment even further when talking at Big Ten football media days. Nebraska even had the Buckeyes on the ropes, but couldn't pull it out, with Ohio State coming back to win 21-17 in Columbus in a game that was much closer than anyone thought. 'I was on the opposite sideline than I really had planned on,' Raiola told reporters. 'It was a great environment -- everything I expected. From the hype to how loud they were, to how hard Ohio State was gonna play, we knew exactly what we were getting into, and I'm proud of our team for that and how we fought. So we just got to get used to playing in more games like that.' Ohio State and Nebraska aren't scheduled to play this fall, so Raiola will have to wait to play against the team he was originally committed to in order to make good on showing he can lead his team past the same type of game and environment. He will lead his team against Michigan in Lincoln and on the road against Penn State, so there will be opportunities. Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Barstool Sports ranks Nebraska's Dylan Raiola as one of the Big Ten's best quarterbacks
Another round of rankings arrived this week for Big Ten quarterbacks, with Barstool Sports' Brandon Walker releasing his preseason list. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola found himself in the top ten, nestled in the No. 6 spot. Raiola's been finding himself ranked highly among quarterbacks across the league. The Athletic put him No. 40 across all 136 starting quarterbacks, and USA TODAY Sports placed him at No. 17. According to Walker, Raiola is ranked higher than eight of the nine Big Ten quarterbacks Nebraska's set to face this season. The one quarterback ranked higher than Raiola that will play Nebraska this season is Penn State's Drew Allar, who sits atop the list, with Illinois's Luke Altmyer in second. Although Ohio State has not yet named a starter, the position of 'Buckeyes starting QB' is ranked third. Incoming Michigan freshman Bryce Underwood sits at No. 10, who Nebraska is set to face in September. Raiola and the Huskers are already entering the season with high expectations following their 7-6 season and victory in the Bad Boy Mowers' Pinstripe Bowl. Last year, Raiola led FBS freshmen in completion percentage and also ranked 14th nationally in completion percentage, tossing 275-for-410. His mark is also the best completion percentage by a freshman in school history. Raiola also set the freshman record at Nebraska in passing yards, racking up 2,819 yards. He also ranked third among all freshmen in passing yards and was a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year award. Nebraska will open the 2025 college football season on Thursday, August 28, when the Huskers face the Cincinnati Bearcats at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. CT. Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes, and opinions.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Dylan Raiola mirrors Patrick Mahomes like Kobe Bryant did Michael Jordan ahead of Arrowhead Season opener
Raiola begins his 2025 season at Arrowhead Stadium against Cincinnati (Image via: Getty images) Before he's even cemented his place as Nebraska's starting quarterback, Dylan Raiola has already captured national attention—not just for his talent, but for who he's trying to become. Raiola has drawn early comparisons to Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes , and he's not running from it. In fact, he welcomes the parallel and has a very specific way of framing it. Dylan Raiola studies Patrick Mahomes the way Kobe Bryant studied Michael Jordan Speaking during Big Ten Media Days in Las Vegas, Raiola compared his admiration for Mahomes to Kobe Bryant's relentless pursuit of Michael Jordan's greatness. 'I'm not comparing myself to Kobe or anything, but like Kobe did to Mike, that's kind of what it is for me to Patrick,' he said on the Cover 3 Podcast. 'He's one of the best quarterbacks in the league right now, if not the best.' It's more than just watching highlight reels. Raiola works with the same trainers who helped shape Mahomes into a Super Bowl champion—quarterbacks coach Jeff Christensen and performance coach Bobby Stroupe. He studies Mahomes' film, mimics his movements, and has even adopted the signature Mahomes look—jersey number 15, headband, and curly hair. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Franklin India NFO Investment Franklin Templeton India AMC Learn More Undo Dylan Raiola Compares His Relationship With Patrick Mahomes To Kobe Bryant And Michael Jordan The connection isn't just visual. Mahomes and Raiola have built a real relationship. Mahomes once referred to Raiola as 'Lil cuzzo' on social media, and the two reportedly text and call regularly. Raiola says he values that line of communication but understands he must carve his own path on the field. FAQs Who is Dylan Raiola compared to in terms of playing style? Dylan Raiola is frequently compared to Patrick Mahomes due to similarities in playing style, appearance, jersey number, and even pregame routines. Raiola embraces the comparison and studies Mahomes closely as part of his development. What did Dylan Raiola say about Patrick Mahomes and Kobe Bryant? Raiola said he views his relationship with Mahomes similarly to how Kobe Bryant studied and modeled his game after Michael Jordan. He emphasized that Mahomes serves as a role model and blueprint for his own growth as a quarterback. When does Dylan Raiola make his 2025 season debut? Dylan Raiola and the Nebraska Cornhuskers will open their 2025 season on August 28 against Cincinnati at Arrowhead Stadium, the home of Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Dylan Raiola's journey faces first big test at Arrowhead Stadium The comparisons will be hard to ignore on August 28 when Nebraska opens its 2025 season at Arrowhead Stadium—Mahomes' home turf—against Cincinnati. It will be a defining moment for Raiola, who's coming off a freshman campaign marked by growing pains: 13 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and a 3-6 Big Ten record. Also Read: 'It hit me hard': Colts' Anthony Richardson addresses shoulder injury concern But for Raiola, the mission is clear. Just as Kobe used Jordan's blueprint to build his own legacy, Raiola is using Mahomes as inspiration—not imitation. With the tools, mindset, and mentorship in place, all eyes will be on him when the lights come on at Arrowhead. Dylan Raiola's journey is just beginning but if his Mahomes-inspired approach pays off, it could be the start of something special. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Dylan Raiola likens relationship with Patrick Mahomes to Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan
Before he ever took a snap at the college level, the comparisons were unavoidable for Dylan Raiola. Between his position, No. 15 jersey number, his hair and, at times, his playing style, the Nebraska quarterback has been frequently linked to Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes. It's not a connection that Raiola shies away from. If anything, he embraces it — so much so that he has a historical comparison for it. REQUIRED READING: Big Ten college football power rankings start with Penn State, Ohio State In an interview with the Cover 3 Podcast on July 22 at Big Ten media days in Las Vegas, Raiola likened the way he views and tries to emulate Mahomes to Kobe Bryant's relationship with Michael Jordan. 'I'm not comparing myself to Kobe or anything, but like Kobe did to Mike, that's kind of what it is for me to Patrick,' Raiola said. 'He's one of the best quarterbacks in the league right now, if not the best. Just for me to be able to have someone to look up to, talk, call, whatever…the comparisons are kind of everything outside. I can't control that god made me look like this, play the same sport. It's all love.' Nebraska's Dylan Raiola On his relationship with Patrick Mahomes:"What Kobe did to Mike, That's kind of what it is for me to Patrick" #BigTenMediaDays #Nebraska #dylanraiola Over the course of his legendary NBA career, Bryant became perhaps the closest thing the sport had seen to Jordan since his retirement, emulating his game, mannerisms, trademark intensity and even hairstyle, trading in his baby afro for a shaved head. One year into his college career, Raiola has taken the same kind of approach with Mahomes, opting for a similar haircut and wearing a headband during games. Before a win last season against Colorado, Raiola generated widespread attention on social media for mimicking Mahomes' pregame routine. Raiola trains with quarterbacks coach Jeff Christensen and trainer Bobby Stroupe, both of whom worked with Mahomes on his rise to NFL stardom. The comparison, of course, has its limits. Beyond their follicle choices, the two don't look all that much alike (Mahomes is mixed, with a white mother and Black father, while Raiola is of Polynesian descent). More glaringly, one of the quarterbacks is a three-time Super Bowl champion and a two-time NFL MVP while the other is a 20 year old who threw 13 touchdowns to 11 interceptions for a team that went 3-6 in the Big Ten last season. The tie between the two is more than superficial, though. Mahomes and Raiola have struck up a relationship, with Raiola noting the two call and text one another. Last year, Mahomes shouted out Raiola on social media, referring to him as 'Lil cuzzo.' In about a month, there will be one more data point between the two — Raiola and Nebraska will open their 2025 season at Arrowhead Stadium against Cincinnati on August 28.
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Dylan Raiola expresses championship expectations for Nebraska ahead of the 2025 season
The Nebraska football team arrived at Big Ten media days on Tuesday in Las Vegas, sharing insight on the upcoming 2025 season. Nebraska finished 7-6 last season, winning the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl and putting together its first winning season since 2016. Sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola was joined in Sin City by offensive lineman Henry Lutovsky and defensive back DeShon Singleton. Raiola has already made headlines from the event due to his attire. When speaking to Avarie Howard of Hail Vasirty, the quarterback made it clear where the team's mentality is heading into the season opener on the road at Arrowhead Stadium. "National Championship! That's the bar that's been set. That's the journey we're going to choose to go on. Anything other than that won't be a failure, but we'll be a little disappointed." However, championship expectations are a bold statement, even considering head coach Matt Rhule's past third-year surges with Temple and Baylor. But it wasn't just the overall outlook on the season that Raiola addressed. He also discussed the steps the offense took this offseason and Dana Holgorsen's impact. "He's very quarterback friendly," Raiola said. "He's going to do what their strengths are. That's a big advantage. He's always making sure we're doing the right play. That's where I've taken the step, making sure if we have any bad plays, bad looks to get us in the right place." Raiola also addressed other aspects of the game that he and the team focused on during the offseason. The team's overall focus was on winning moments when the game was on the line. "Every game we played was close," Raiola said. "You either make the play to win the game, or you don't make the play and lose the game. So, putting ourselves in a position to do better has been a big focus." Raiola also talked about another goal he set himself for the season. "Running," He said. "I'm excited to run a lot more this year. I've been training my butt off to run and be quicker and faster." Nebraska will open the 2025 college football season on Thursday, August 28, when the Huskers face the Cincinnati Bearcats at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes, and opinions.
