Nebraska’s sophomore signal-caller just got a huge national nod

Nebraska Cornhuskers sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola was recognized Monday morning, as he was named to the Maxwell Award Watch List.

Big things are expected of Raiola in his second season at the helm of the Big Red offense. There has been some talk that he might be in line to win some awards if he can put his talent together with what he learned as a true freshman starting quarterback. Now he's officially among those who is being watched for an award that is handed to the best player in college football every year.

Dylan Raiola’s Maxwell nod underscores sky-high expectations for the Nebraska Cornhuskers

In Nebraska Cornhuskers history, only running back Mike Rozier has won the award. More often than not, it goes along with the Heisman award, though there are times when the two award panels disagree on who should get the award.

Raiola returns after putting together a solid if not spectacular freshman campaign, as he guided Nebraska to their first bowl appearance since 2016 and first bowl win since 2015. Raiola was a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year, setting school freshman marks in passing yards (2,819) and completion percentage (67.1). He led all freshmen nationally in completion percentage and was third in yards.

On the season, he completed 275-of-410 passes for 13 touchdowns. He posted career highs in both yards (297) and passing touchdowns (3) against Illinois. Raiola capped his first year in major college football by becoming the first true freshman to lead Nebraska to a bowl victory, as he completed 22-of-30 passes for 224 yards and a TD in the 20-15 Pinstripe Bowl win over Boston College.

The only Nebraska Cornhuskers representative on the Maxwell Award watchlist, Semifinalists will be announced November 11, while the three finalists will be unveiled November 25, 2025. The winner of the award will be announced on December 11.