Dylan Raiola wants to be ‘transformational leader’ for Huskers

Nebraska football was able to pick up several major commitments for the 2024 class. One of them was the top quarterback in the country in Dylan Raiola. Nebraska fans don’t need an introduction to the quarterback, who is set to play in the Polynesian Bowl this Friday.

Raiola is coming off a senior high school season that saw him record 2,666 yards, 34 touchdowns, and interception last season for Buford High School. He was the catalyst for their offense. He now heads to Nebraska, who is looking to find a catalyst at the quarterback position in their own right.

It’s very clear from listening to Raiola’s interviews that he has goals in mind when he steps under center for the program. For one, he wants to be a transformational type of player. It’s evident that he understands what success means to this program and fan base. His father Dominic was a Rimington Trophy Award Winner and Consensus All-American in 2000. The elder Raiola had his jersey retired by the program.

Now, the younger Raiola wants to make his own path, as he told Rivals.com on Sunday.

“I think, you know, I’ve been up there a lot growing up. I always was in the building, you know with my dad being an alumni there. You know, I’ve seen everything from, you know, I didn’t see coach Osborne, but I’ve seen the effect he had on that program. I don’t think there was a necessary selling point. I think it was just something that I wanted to do and take upon myself to be a transformational leader at a program like Nebraska where their fans, great fan base, are starving for success.”

The quarterback will be part of a group of Huskers at the Polynesian ball. Tight end Carter Nelson and offensive tackle Preston Taumua will also be present at the game. This will be the first time for Nebraska football fans to see Raiola in action on a national level.

The game will take place at 8 PM central time on Friday, January 19, in what could be considered as the first step for Dylan Raiola becoming that transformational leader.