Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola stepped onto the field at Memorial Stadium for the second time in his college career. He helped guide Nebraska football to an excellent 28-10 win over Colorado, a positive step for the program and freshman Raiola.
During the pre-game warm-ups, Raiola was seen going through his drills, with fans spotting some similarities in his style to a talented NFL quarterback, three-time Super Bowl winner Patrick Mahomes. The videos have done the rounds on social media, getting back to the Kansas City signal caller, who had some kind words about Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola.
Patrick Mahomes flattered by Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola
Just like Patrick Mahomes, Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola has the No.15 across his uniform. It looked even more Mahomes-like, with the Nebraska colors being very similar, if not identical, red. The way he walked through a play-action pass to casually throw the ball off to a coach pre-Colorado game was Mahomes-esque.
Raiola has the Mahomes strut, the same curly hair texture, and even the same beard style. Some may say it’s strange to imitate somebody so heavily. Mahomes, on the other hand, is flattered, although he is starting to feel old at the age of 28.
P̶a̶t̶ ̶M̶a̶h̶o̶m̶e̶s̶ Dylan Raiola in the house 🌽@HuskerFootball pic.twitter.com/lH5Kz1i1ul
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) August 31, 2024
At the Chiefs ‘ press conference, Mahomes was asked about quarterback Dylan Raiola and the similarities, with him relying on his feeling flattered that somebody was mimicking his style. He referred back to when he was younger and loved watching baseball legend Alex Rodriguez. He played shortstop, trying to recreate plays just like him. Mahomes continued to say it shaped him as an athlete.
Patrick Mahomes and Dylan Raiola have already trained together during the off-season. The two-time NFL MVP said the Nebraska freshman was a great kid and would make his own stamp on the team.
Quarterback Dylan Raiola looks to have a good head on his shoulders, which is very similar to Mahomes in college. That attitude has followed him into the pros, and if you are getting praise from the best quarterback in the league, you must be doing something right.
Dylan Raiola already ahead of Mahomes in college football
Patrick Mahomes was never a day one started as a freshman for Texas Tech, something quarterback Dylan Raiola has already achieved. The differences began as recruits, with Raiola a five-star prospect and Mahomes a three-star prospect. Ratings are not always accurate, with Mahomes showing that and looking at where he is today.
Through two games as a freshman, Raiola has thrown for 423 passing yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Sitting at 2-0, Nebraska have started the season well with aspirations of a first bowl game since 2016.
It’s only early in his college career, and Raiola’s future is unknown. However, judging by his poise under center and the types of throws he makes, he does possess something special. We will see what he is made of when Big Ten Conference play comes around, with Ohio State, USC, and Iowa just some of the teams he will face.
Mahomes led the Big 12 in several categories as a sophomore and junior, including pass completions including pass completions, passing yards, and total touchdowns, to name a few. One thing Raiola needs to do is just keep performing at his best. Accolades are great, but they don’t shape your career. Nebraska fans will enjoy watching him for at least the next three seasons.
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