Dana Holgorsen reveals Dylan Raiola is making 'throws that I've never seen before'

Nebraska offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen is seeing things from QB Dylan Raiola he’s never seen before. Holgorsen’s been around the block, but the sophomore quarterback is making things fun and exciting ahead of the 2025 season.

Raiola started as a freshman last season, helping Nebraska to a Pinstripe Bowl game win. Funny enough, since Raiola gets Patrick Mahomes comparisons due to his appearance and mannerisms, Holgorsen’s comments are quite ironic.

If Raiola is making throws the coach has never seen before, then maybe he does have a little something like Mahomes. Okay, we won’t get ahead of ourselves, but Raiola seems to be impressing this preseason. 

“He took one day off, just because I usually do that after like two weeks, give the quarterback a break,” Holgorsen said. “Like you have a recovery day, and then I give him another day, just the arm there, nothing was wrong. It’s just, but other than that, he’s been out there, playing every play, playing every rep, playing every every period, it’s different. When he’s out there, just from, you know, the communication, the confidence, you know, just making routine plays and getting the other ones to come along with them. 

“So his leadership is outstanding. The play is fantastic. He’s making throws that I’ve never seen before, to be honest with you. So I mean, he’s in a good spot, he’s ready for game day.”

As a freshman, Raiola had his moments but also tossed a few too many picks. He threw for 2,819 yards, 13 touchdowns, 11 interceptions and a 67.1% completion percentage.

“I feel tremendously great,” Raiola said. “My body is in the best shape it’s been in. I’m not tired at all. I’m sleeping great and recovering three times a day; morning, after practice and at night before I head home. Just taking that next step of taking care of my body is the biggest thing for me just so that I can give teammates my 100% best and I think they deserve that. I know they deserve that. That’s the least I can do for them.”

To help their young star, Nebraska hauled in former Kentucky wide receiver Dane Key and former Cal wide receiver Nyziah Hunter from the Transfer Portal this offseason. Key departed Kentucky with the program’s fifth most receiving yards in a career (1,870), while Hunter hauled in 40 catches for 578 yards and five touchdowns as a freshman last season.