The Nebraska football team is heading into the 2025 season with high expectations.
Quarterback Dylan Raiola made that clear at Big Ten Media Days in Las Vegas on Tuesday.
“National championship,” Raiola told Hail Varsity. “That’s the bar that’s been set. That’s the journey we’re going to choose to go on. So anything other than that, won’t be a failure, but we’ll just be a little disappointed.”
As a true freshman last year, Raiola passed for 2,819 yards and 13 touchdowns while starting all 13 games and breaking numerous records. Raiola had the highest completion percentage (67%) and most passing yards by a freshman in Nebraska history. Coach Matt Rhule said that he’s seen a lot of growth from Raiola throughout the offseason.
“I would not have brought Dylan if I wasn’t so proud of his work,'” Rhule said during his time at the podium. “He’s done a great job with his body, he’s done a great job with his knowledge of the offense, his growth with Glenn Thomas — our quarterback coach — and Dana Holgorsen — our (offensive coordinator), his command, his command of the roster, of the team.”
One area that Raiola has been working to improve on is his mobility. Including sacks, he finished with minus-65 yards on 50 carries last season.
“I know the fans will love this, but running,” Raiola said. “I’m going to be excited to run a lot more this year. I’ve been training my butt off to run, be quicker and faster.”
Going into the 2025 season, the Huskers have three new coordinators taking over in full time positions. Holgorsen signed a long-term deal in December, John Butler transitioned from secondary coach to defensive coordinator in December following Tony White’s departure, and Rhule hired Mike Ekeler in February as special teams coordinator. The head coach had high praise for all three of these additions.
“There are some days I walk in and I don’t know what my job is,” Rhule said. “Other than to recruit and go be a part of the players lives. So the coordinators are going to do a great job, I’m very pleased.”
The Huskers went 7-6 last season and won a bowl game for the first time since 2015. However, the close game struggles that have plagued the program through multiple head coaching regimes continued. If Nebraska is to follow the same year three script from Rhule’s previous coaching stops, turning the corner in that area will play a pivotal role.
“I look forward to the first close game,” Rhule said. “I look forward to seeing our guys execute in it.”
Rhule said that he really enjoys coaching this group of players that he has now.
“I’m grateful to coach them,” Rhule said. “It’s been probably the most fun I’ve had in a long time.”
There’s a lot of excitement around the team right now with the returning players, transfers, and freshman additions. Rhule believes the team is ready to compete and is excited for the start of the season.
“We believe that we can play with anybody,” Rhule said. “And we’ve had our highs and lows, our ups and downs. We’ve been through a lot in two years together, and we’re going to go make a run at this thing this year.”
The Huskers start fall camp on Monday with the first game of the season right around the corner, on Aug. 28 in Kansas City.
