Is the Nebraska football team about to undergo a divorce from the Raiola family? There were warning signs earlier this month when Dayton Raiola decommitted from the Huskers after over a year of being committed. Now, there are at least whispers that older brother Dylan is looking for greener pastures.
That Dylan Raiola might be looking to transfer this winter is hardly a shock. It wouldn't be even if this weren't an era where significantly fewer players spend all four years at one college. With his injury and the rise of TJ Lateef, it feels like there might be something more to the rumors this time around.
CBS Sports' Chris Hummer wrote a report on Wednesday morning that there is at least a feeling around Nebraska that Raiola might be on his way out the door. As Hummer put it, it's not because the quarterback feels he can get more money elsewhere.
Why Dylan Raiola’s Nebraska future suddenly feels less secure
"Nebraska is expected to increase its total NIL/rev-share payout next season, sources say, and will spend heavily in the coming weeks to keep vital roster pieces intact this offseason -- and would instead, for both parties, offer a blank slate as Raiola enters his potential final year of college football with the NFL Draft and a potential College Football Playoff appearance on his mind."
There's also the injury he suffered, behind a porous offensive line (ironically helmed by his uncle), which could have Dylan thinking about heading elsewhere.
For now, there is nothing solid about Raiola heading elsewhere. It's more of a "feeling" than anything. But considering that the quarterback at least looked over the fence into the neighbor's yard to see if the grass was greener last year, it's not out of the realm of possibility that the lure of a transfer portal is more potent this year.
Nebraska coaches and fans will be holding their breath this offseason to see just how everything shakes out.