Dylan Raiola has rapidly emerged as one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in college football, drawing national attention not only for his elite arm talent but also for comparisons to NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes. This article dives into his age, family links, injury news, career highlights, and physical profile — all in one place.
Who Is Dylan Raiola?
Dylan Raiola is an American college football quarterback who has made waves at the University of Nebraska. Born on May 9, 2005, he is one of the premier young quarterbacks in the 2024 recruiting class and quickly became Nebraska’s starting QB as a true freshman.
Dylan Raiola’s Age and Early Life
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Birthdate: May 9, 2005
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Birthplace: Hawaii, U.S.
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Class: Sophomore (as of 2025 season)
At just 20 years old, Raiola has already shown remarkable poise under center against high-level competition. His performance has drawn early comparisons to NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes — both for his dynamic play style and his confidence on the field.
The Mahomes Link — Why the Comparisons?
Dylan Raiola has been nicknamed a “Baby Mahomes” by fans and media due to similarities in play style and even personal interaction with Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes. According to reports, the two know each other off the field and Raiola has modeled parts of his game after Mahomes’s approach.
This Mahomes association has boosted Raiola’s visibility, especially as scouts and analysts look for the next generation of elite signal callers.
Family Ties — Football in the Blood
Football runs deep in the Raiola family:
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Father: Dominic Raiola — former Nebraska star and long-time NFL center for the Detroit Lions.
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Uncle: Donovan Raiola — former Cornhuskers offensive line coach.
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Godfather: Matthew Stafford — longtime NFL quarterback and former teammate of Dominic Raiola.
Coming from such a rich football lineage has given Dylan a unique perspective and foundation in the sport from a young age.
Height, Weight & Physical Profile
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Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
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Weight: 230 lbs (104 kg)
This prototypical size for a college quarterback — combined with a strong arm and field vision — makes him a natural fit for high-level competition.
2024-25 Career Highlights
Breakout Freshman Year (2024)
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Set Nebraska freshman records with 2,819 passing yards and a 67.1% completion rate.
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Ranked as one of the top freshmen in the nation.
Sophomore Campaign (2025)
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Before injury, he completed 72.4% of his passes for 2,000 yards, 18 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
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Ranked highly nationally in completion percentage and passing efficiency.
These performances reinforced his reputation as a dynamic and accurate passer.
Injury Update: Season-Ending Setback
In November 2025, Dylan Raiola suffered a broken right fibula during a game against USC, forcing him to miss the remainder of the season. The injury occurred after a hit in the third quarter, abruptly ending what had been a promising sophomore campaign.
While injuries are part of the game, this setback temporarily halted his on-field momentum — though fans and analysts alike remain optimistic about his recovery and return.
What’s Next for Raiola?
Despite the injury, Raeola’s future remains bright. He has already proven his leadership ability and high-level play against power-conference opponents. His transfer status and decisions for the next chapter of his career are now topics of significant fan and analyst speculation.
Conclusion
Dylan Raiola represents a new wave of quarterback talent in college football. With a strong football pedigree, Mahomes-style flair, and proven performance at the collegiate level — even amidst adversity — he’s a player to watch closely in the coming seasons.
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