Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
May 22, 2026 5:13 PM
Frustrated by a costly $3.5 million investment and inconsistent results, the Huskers embrace a mutual split as their star quarterback chases a national title and NFL future with Oregon.
Dylan Raiola showed promise but had obvious struggles during his two years starting for Nebraska.
He threw for 4,819 yards, 31 touchdowns and 17 interceptions for the Cornhuskers. Nebraska finished with 7-6 records for both seasons.
Raiola made a curious move to transfer to Oregon during the offseason. He transferred before Dante Moore made his decision on the 2026 NFL Draft or returning to the Ducks. Moore chose the latter, meaning Raiola would be a backup quarterback for the upcoming season.
Chris Hummer of CBS Sports provided the reason behind the divorce for Raiola and Nebraska.
Raiola's camp wanted the quarterback to play for a program with national championship ambitions. The Cornhuskers were happy to move on from a costly player who was flirting with other schools.
Speaking to sources close to the situation, Raiola's family wanted him in a place where he could compete for a national championship and get a fresh start in his development, with an eye toward the NFL Draft," Hummer wrote.
"The Huskers were frustrated by the annual back-and-forth with Raiola and were happy to save money on their $3.5 million-a-year investment in Raiola, who was one of the highest-paid players in college football last season... It's a divorce both sides were comfortable with at the end, per sources, giving each a blank slate to work from moving forward."
Raiola considered leaving Nebraska after the 2024 season. Before transferring to Oregon, he thought about going to Louisville.
Louisville might have offered Raiola an opportunity to start this year, but the Cardinals are going to be national championship contenders anytime soon.
The Ducks have a strong history of putting quarterbacks in the league. Bo Nix and Justin Herbert are starting for playoff contenders in the AFC West.
Oregon is expected to compete for the CFP national championship in the upcoming season. If Moore hadn't returned, Raiola would have been the quarterback the team counted on to make a CFP run.
Instead, he'll learn from a likely Top 5 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. Next fall, Raiola could receive Heisman buzz as he leads the Ducks.
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