Matt Rhule sees a 'dynamic duo' between Dylan Raiola, Dana Holgorsen

The Nebraska Cornhuskers took strides as a team in 2024. That was the second season for the program under Matt Rhule and their first with Dylan Raiola at quarterback. Now, they’re hoping to take another step forward and make some noise in the Big Ten next season.

Rhule recently appeared on Always College Football. There, he praised the growth and maturity of Raiola. He also shared that he now thinks that Raiola and new offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen are going to become a dynamic duo in college football.

“He’s always been a tremendous worker,” Matt Rhule said. “I think when you’re a young player, you can be emotional. When things are great, you’re great. When things get bad, sometimes you kind of get quiet. You get introverted. You start to get frustrated.”

Dylan Raiola came to Nebraska as a five-star recruit in the Class of 2024. He’d earn the starting job at Nebraska for the start of the season and went through some growing pains over the course of the season. He finished the season with a 67.1 completion percentage for 2,819 yards and 13 touchdowns to 11 interceptions.

“Actually, he and I were together in the cafeteria today, we actually had this exact conversation. We had the UCLA game on TV,” Rhule said. “And he was like, ‘Man, it was 13-7 at the half.’ Then we came out (of halftime) and he threw a pick-six. We talked about how far he’s come. To me, it’s not about his highs being any higher. It’s about his lows not being so low. It’s the same for our whole team. What I’ve loved about Dylan is the consistency he’s shown and bought into. He’s the same guy every day. He’s holding people accountable, starting with himself.”

This offseason, Matt Rhule made the decision to promote Dana Holgorsen to offensive coordinator. The former longtime head coach and Air Raid disciple is replacing Marcus Satterfield, who would be moved to tight ends coach. Together, the hope for Nebraska is that this offense can become explosive in 2025.

“His body looks great,” Rhule said. “And he and Dana [Holgorsen], I think are going to make a dynamic duo. I think we have a chance to be really special on offense.”

Fans will get their first look at the Raiola-Holgorsen combination on August 28th. That’s when the Cornhuskers open their 2025 season at Arrowhead Stadium against Cincinnati.