Dylan Raiola has become one of the most talked-about names in college football as the 2025–26 transfer portal season approaches. The former five-star quarterback’s future has sparked widespread debate, fueled by both performance, family ties, and swirling rumors — including whether schools like Texas Tech could be in the mix. Here’s a deep dive into everything you need to know.
Who Is Dylan Raiola?
Dylan Raiola is an American college football quarterback currently known for his time at the University of Nebraska. Born in 2005, Raiola was one of the top prospects in the 2024 recruiting class, ranked as a five-star quarterback and a top-10 national recruit.
Raiola’s college career began at Nebraska after a high-profile recruiting journey which included commitments to Ohio State and Georgia before landing in Lincoln. Standing 6-foot-3 and with an arm talent that drew national attention, he amassed solid passing statistics in his 2025 season before a broken fibula ended his campaign early.
Transfer Portal Status: What’s Happening?
With the NCAA transfer portal window approaching in early January, Raiola’s name has been heavily discussed across college football circles.
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According to recent reports, Raiola has entered the transfer portal, leaving behind two years of eligibility after his season at Nebraska.
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His decision comes amid uncertainty around Nebraska’s offensive staff, notably the firing of his uncle and former offensive line coach, Donovan Raiola, and his younger brother Dayton’s de-commitment from Nebraska’s 2026 recruiting class.
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Before this news, Raiola was already one of the most discussed quarterbacks due to the sheer potential and expectations that come with a former five-star high school ranking.
What This Means for Schools
Raiola entering the transfer portal means he’s officially available to speak with and potentially transfer to any school during the open window — typically early January to mid-January each year. Multiple programs across the country will monitor his situation closely given his talent profile and remaining eligibility.
Texas Tech Rumors — Real or Not?
One of the biggest storylines was a possible connection between Raiola and Texas Tech, a Big 12 program with quarterback needs. Here’s what the latest reports show:
Rumors circulated that Texas Tech might be an intriguing destination given Raiola’s profile and the Red Raiders’ offensive style.
However, recent insider updates strongly suggest Texas Tech is not expected to pursue Raiola in the portal. Multiple sources report that the Red Raiders aren’t actively involved in his recruitment, despite earlier speculation.
This means while fans may have linked Raiola’s name to Texas Tech — partly because of his “Mahomes-like” popularity and the school’s past offensive success — it may have been more narrative than reality.
Family Influence: Father & Football Legacy
Dylan Raiola comes from a famous football family, which has shaped his journey:
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Father – Dominic Raiola: A former NFL center and Nebraska standout, Dominic was an All-American and Rimington Trophy finalist. His legacy at Nebraska played a role in Dylan’s college decision.
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Uncle – Donovan Raiola: Served as Nebraska’s offensive line coach before being fired in late 2025 — an event that added fuel to transfer rumors.
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Brother – Dayton Raiola: His younger brother was once committed to Nebraska but de-committed in late 2025, intensifying speculation about Dylan’s future in Lincoln.
These family ties have made Raiola’s journey unique and contributed significantly to media attention and fan discussions.
Latest Transfer Rumors & Buzz
Here’s a snapshot of current chatter:
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Early transfer buzz has placed Raiola among top portal quarterbacks, making him one of the most watched names as the window opens.
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Other schools beyond Texas Tech are also in early conversation — including speculative destinations like Indiana, LSU, Tennessee, and Miami — though nothing is confirmed.
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The overall college football transfer portal is expected to see major quarterback movement this year, with top QBs from several programs exploring new opportunities.
Conclusion: Where Does Dylan Raiola Stand?
Dylan Raiola’s collegiate journey has been anything but ordinary. From elite recruit status to injury setbacks and now transfer portal entry, he remains one of the most compelling quarterback prospects in college football.
Key takeaways:
He’s entered the transfer portal with eligibility remaining.
Texas Tech is reportedly not a major suitor.
Expect multiple programs to circle him in the portal window.
Family legacy continues to influence perceptions and narrative.
Where he lands will be one of the biggest stories of the 2026 college football offseason.
