Husker staffer all but confirms quarterback Dylan Raiola heading to the transfer portal

Nebraska football offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen all but confirmed that quarterback Dylan Raiola will enter the transfer portal.

Speaking during a news conference Tuesday, Holgorsen said that Raiola is a great player, and he loved working with him.

“There's times where I thought we were really headed in the right direction. There's times where we weren't,” Holgorsen said when asked about the sophomore’s development. “I mean, that falls on me, not just from his perspective, from the whole offense’s perspective.”

He wishes the quarterback the best, Holgorsen said.

Those statements follow a Monday report from ESPN senior reporter Pete Thamel saying Raiola would head to the transfer portal when it opens up Jan. 2.

The coaching staff will look for the best available player, and the offense will get built around whoever wins the job, Holgorsen said.

Raiola, who was one the highest-rated recruits to ever sign with the Huskers, threw for 4,819 yards, 31 touchdowns and 17 interceptions in 22 games as a Cornhusker. Those numbers include his shortened campaign this year. This fall, his throws covered 2,000 yards for 18 touchdowns to just six interceptions, before Raiola broke his right fibula against USC.

Unless he makes the unexpected decision to return to Nebraska after entering the portal, Raiola will end his two years with a 13-9 record in games he started.

The 7-5 Cornhuskers will compete against No. 15 ranked and 10-2 Utah Utes in the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 31, to wrap up the 2025 season.