Nebraska Quarterback Dynamics Shift with Dylan Raiola Entering Transfer Portal
Dylan Raiola’s decision to enter the transfer portal has marked a significant shift in the Nebraska football quarterback dynamics. Officially announced on Monday, Raiola’s departure follows a notable tenure in Lincoln, where he started 22 games and guided the team to consecutive bowl seasons. His journey ended prematurely this year with a season-ending injury sustained during a game against USC.
Quarterback Situation at Nebraska
With Raiola leaving, the Nebraska quarterback room is still active. T.J. Lateef has already demonstrated his capabilities as a starter. His experience includes performances against both Akron and Houston Christian, followed by an intense game against USC where he took over in the second half.
Lateef concluded the regular season strong, leading Nebraska to a victory over UCLA, though the team faced significant losses in subsequent games against Penn State and Iowa. Despite a hamstring injury impacting his performance against Iowa, Lateef finished the season with:
- 59 completions on 95 attempts
- 722 passing yards
- Four passing touchdowns
- No interceptions
- 98 rushing yards with three rushing touchdowns
Marcos Davila’s Role
Marcos Davila, a four-star recruit from Purdue, is another talent on the roster. He sat out the 2024 season and appeared in games earlier this year, including matchups against Akron and Houston Christian. In high school, Davila showcased his skills by throwing for over 9,100 yards and recording 93 touchdowns.
Lateef is slated to start in the upcoming Las Vegas Bowl against No. 15 Utah, and he is expected to hold the position heading into 2026. However, Davila’s growth could challenge his starting role in the future, especially with Jalyn Gramstad out of eligibility.
Considering a Transfer Quarterback
Nebraska’s coaching staff, led by head coach Matt Rhule and offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen, must now evaluate their options. The primary question is whether they feel confident with Lateef and Davila for the 2026 season.
If they prefer to pursue additional talent, several high-caliber quarterbacks are entering the transfer portal. This includes:
- DJ Lagway from Florida
- Brendan Sorsby from Cincinnati
- Aidan Chiles from Michigan State
- Kenny Minchey, a backup at Notre Dame
Should they recruit another quarterback, the dynamics for Lateef and Davila will undoubtedly change as competition intensifies.
Looking Ahead
While no quarterbacks were signed in the recent 2026 recruiting class, Nebraska has high hopes for four-star prospect Trae Taylor. Committed from the 2027 class, Taylor is expected to be a cornerstone for future seasons and has actively engaged in recruiting efforts.
As Nebraska navigates the upcoming transfer portal window from January 2 to January 15, the evolution of their quarterback landscape remains a critical topic of discussion.
