3 ways Nebraska's Matt Rhule can use Dylan Raiola to clinch a spot in College Football Playoff

Dylan Raiola joined the Nebraska Cornhuskers as the highest rated quarterback—and second-highest rated overall recruit—the program has landed since 247 Sports began handing out recruiting grades in 1999. The five-star prospect was the second-ranked quarterback and seventh-ranked overall prospect in the 2024 recruiting class.

He is the only quarterback in his class that is expected to start as a true freshman. That said, take a look at how coach Matt Rhule can use the son of former NFL center Dominic Raiola and godson of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford to lock up a postseason spot.

3 ways Nebraska's Matt Rhule can use Dylan Raiola to clinch a spot in College Football Playoff

1. Open up the offense

Raiola has been praised for having NFL caliber arm talent and a great deep ball since he emerged as a top prospect in the 2024 recruiting class.

He threw for 2,819 yards, 34 touchdowns and just one interception while completing 63.6% of his passes as a high school senior. The Nebraska Cornhuskers should not be afraid to open the offense for the true freshman quarterback and allow him to take shots downfield.

Nebraska's team leader in passing finished with just 967 yards last year, while their leading receiver had just 310 yards. Rhule needs to allow Raiola the freedom to move the ball downfield.

2. Scheme for better protection

As they finished with a mere 5-7 record last season, the Nebraska Cornhuskers allowed 30 sacks and were one of the worst teams in the nation at keeping the quarterback upright. Keeping Raiola healthy and visible on the field should be the top priority of Rhule and the coaching staff in his development.

The Cornhuskers attempted to bolster their offensive line in the offseason by adding two four-star and four three-star offensive line recruits, but it remains unclear how the unit will perform. If they underperform, Rhule should not rule out keeping extra players in to block.

3. Let him play through early struggles

In all likelihood, Raiola will face a learning curve as almost all young players do. If he struggles early on, the coaching staff should have patience with him. They will have Raiola on the roster for at least two more seasons, barring a transfer.

Allowing him to play through his early struggles will help him build confidence, while also likely ensuring that he does not decide to transfer. Additionally, they do not have much depth in the quarterback room and should provide Raiola the opportunity to learn and grow as he will likely be their best option to win games.