3x Super Bowl champ Patrick Mahomes praises 'lookalike' Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola following thrilling debut TD

Dylan Raiola's college football journey started on Saturday as the quarterback led Nebraska to a 40-7 blowout win against UTEP. The five-star recruit performed to the expectations of many in his debut, completing 19 of 27 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns.

However, the highlight of the game was how he delivered his first-ever touchdown pass in college football. Raiola showcased his arm strength and composure on the gridiron by throwing a 59-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Neyor as Nebraska extended its lead.

The touchdown pass caught the attention of Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who has made Raiola viral for their uncanny resemblance. Mahomes reacted to the touchdown pass on X, once again tagging the Nebraska quarterback as “Little Cuzzo.”

Brilliant start to life as Nebraska's starting quarterback

Dylan Raiola was named Nebraska's starting quarterback following the conclusion of the fall camp. He is the only true freshman in the Power Four to have secured the starting role at the quarterback position for the 2024 college football season.

Following his performance in the season-opening game against UTEP, it appears the quarterback is settling well into the college football landscape despite the pressure around him. He explained how he felt getting the starting quarterback role on Tuesday.

“It was emotional, honestly,” Raiola said. “The first thing I did was call my mom, call my dad. Very thankful for them. I wouldn’t be here without them. And then my brother and my sister, made sure I called them and let them know I appreciate them very much. There’s a lot of other people I could thank.”

Glenn Thomas sees a more confident Dylan Raiola

Dylan Raiola's talent as a quarterback is evident and he's shown a glimpse of brilliance right from his high school days. Ahead of the game against the Miners, Nebraska quarterback coach Glenn Thomas expressed confidence in him.

"I think he had a great camp," Thomas said. "He kind of had some ups and downs but learning opportunities as camp went on and continued to get better. Overall, [he] felt like he gave us the best opportunity — down in and down out — to move the football.

"He's becoming more and more confident with that news out there. He can take a step forward from a leadership standpoint because everyone knows the situation. He's accepted it very graciously and humbly."

Raiola will lead the Cornhuskers offense against Deion Sanders-led Colorado in Week 2 as the team seeks redemption in 2024. The Buffaloes won the 2023 edition of the game, and Raiola will be crucial to Matt Rhule’s team getting revenge.