Despite only being a sophomore, Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola is the undeniable leader of the Cornhuskers' football team. When the young QB went down against the USC Trojans on Saturday, it was clearly devastating for the entire program.
Then, it was announced that Raiola would miss the rest of the season when head coach Matt Rhule shared that his starting quarterback had broken his fibula.
On Tuesday, just days before the Cornhuskers were scheduled to kick off against the UCLA Bruins, offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen shared the small glimmer of hope that Nebraska fans so desperately needed.
The Cornhuskers are mad that Raiola isn't playing
In a mid-week press conference, Holgorsen addressed the loss of Raiola not holding the reins of his offense, but also made sure to remind everyone that there are 11 other players in the starting lineup, and they aren't happy that their quarterback was injured.
"It sucks, but it's what's next, that's how you've gotta approach this," Holgorsen said. "We're excited about TJ's [Lateef] opportunity... Glad we don't have a bye week right now, we need to go play. Players are pissed off, they're motivated, and they're ready to go play."
Boom. In less than 30 seconds, Holgorsen eased the fears that all was lost for Nebraska with Raiola on the sidelines. Not only is the team looking forward to seeing backup quarterback TJ Lateef in action, but from the sounds of it, the entire team is ready to get back to the playing field.
"It sucks, but it's what's next... The guys are pissed off and motivated to go play"
— Jake Bartecki NCN-TV (@bartecki_jake) November 4, 2025
OC Dana Holgorsen are turning the page and moving forward after Dylan Raiola's season-ending broken fibula.#Huskers pic.twitter.com/5sG1XHFGDq
In fact, the Cornhuskers are actually happy that they don't have this weekend off, despite the fact that it would give Lateef another week to get his feet under him.
Lateef is a true-freshman quarterback who earned the QB2 role in the preseason. So far this year, he has appeared in just three games but completed 84.2 percent of his pass attempts for 261 yards and one touchdown in those appearances.
He also earned 50 yards and two touchdowns on the ground throughout Nebraska's games against Akron, Houston Christian, and USC. Now, it's his time to be QB1, and it sounds like Holgorsen and the rest of the team believe he's ready.
Also read: Dylan Raiola had heartwarming words for Nebraska fans after his season-ending injury
On Saturday, Nov. 8, Nebraska and UCLA are scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. CT, and the game will be broadcast on FOX.