THE HAUNTED CORNMAZE: RAIOLA DONE FOR THE SEASON

Matti Tenney - November 5, 2025 

The 2025 season for the Nebraska Cornhuskers took a major blow this weekend as sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola suffered a season-ending broken fibula during Saturday’s 21-17 loss to the USC Trojans. 

Raiola went down after a third quarter sack that forced him out of the game and shifted momentum in a flash. Head coach Matt Rhule confirmed Monday that Raiola will undergo surgery this week and is expected to miss around eight to ten weeks. Initially, Rhule thought that it was just a high ankle sprain, even noting that Raiola was attempting to warm up and go back into the game. 

At the time of his exit, Raiola was showing strong numbers. He had completed 10 of 15 passes for 91 yards and one touchdown in the game. Over his second season as the starter, he has thrown for over 1,900 yards, 17 touchdowns, and six interceptions, marking substantial growth and promise for the former five-star recruit who has become central to Nebraska’s offense. 

With Raiola sidelined, freshman quarterback TJ Lateef has been thrust into the spotlight to lead the Huskers offense. Lateef stands 6’1”, weighs around 200 pounds and hails from Orange Lutheran High School in Orange, California. As a high school prospect, Lateef was highly regarded, being referred to as one of the top signal callers in the nation. 

Lateef committed to Nebraska’s 2025 class and entered the program expected to learn behind Raiola, but as a true freshman he now is tasked with leading the Huskers to victory. Along with high caliber recruits like Raiola, the fan interest and culture at Nebraska has been on an upswing. The USC game was a “blackout” game, and the aerial shots (as seen on Field Rush’s Instagram) were jaw-dropping. Rhule made sure to make a point of this, giving a huge shoutout to the student section for elevating the stadium atmosphere. 

Losing a sophomore starter like Raiola at this stage is a serious setback for Nebraska’s offensive identity and momentum. His mix of arm talent, athleticism, and leadership have given fans renewed optimism. With Lateef stepping in, the Huskers must adapt rapidly. Not just in scheme, but in maintaining confidence and consistency. How the offense evolves now, how the coaching staff supports Lateef, and how the rest of the unit responds will heavily influence Nebraska’s remaining season and into 2026. 

I would expect that Nebraska wouldn’t give up on Raiola this fast, even if Lateef has a breakout season. It could open many doors for Lateef in the transfer portal, but I would be shocked if Nebraska moved on from its 5-star.

Raiola’s injury has undeniably altered the course of Nebraska’s season, but it also presents a revealing test of the foundation Matt Rhule has been building in Lincoln. The Huskers’ response, both in how they rally behind TJ Lateef and in how they adapt offensively, will speak volumes about the program’s resilience and direction. For Raiola, the setback interrupts what was shaping up to be a breakout year, yet his long-term potential remains unchanged. And for Lateef, this sudden opportunity could accelerate his development and deepen Nebraska’s quarterback room for seasons to come.

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