Dylan Raiola’s week in Oregon comes with a strange twist: he may be preparing to start against the very program he once called home.
For now, Raiola appears likely to take the field when Nebraska visits Oregon on Saturday, even after an ugly showing against UCLA left a lingering question mark. The matchup carries an extra layer for Raiola, who said it will feel different lining up on the opposite sideline.
“Coach Rhule gave me a chance my first two years of college,” Raiola told the assembled media about what he’s facing this week. “And nothing but love and respect for him.
For two years, that was my home, and I truly feel like that. I have relationships I still have on the team.”
“It’s going to be weird, you know, seeing that team across, like I’m not on that team,” Raiola continued. “Next week, all that matters is winning. We expect their best."
The performance against UCLA was rough enough to land in the wrong kind of company. Raiola went 6 for 19 for 43 yards with 0 interceptions, and Tom Fornelli said it stood as the worst outing by any quarterback from any program since 2024 when measured by EPA per dropback. Raiola’s -1.20 EPAperDropBack was also well below the No. 2 mark on the list.
The numbers backed up what the eye test already said. It was a game Nebraska can’t afford to carry with it, especially with Oregon next on the schedule.
Nebraska’s recent loss to Indiana is still stinging, too, after the Cornhuskers blew a 17-6 lead. But Indiana coach Curt Cignetti’s postgame comments suggested he saw more than just a comeback win - he saw a team that had to earn it.
“Give Nebraska a lot of credit. Really good football team.
I thought we did a nice job of regrouping at halftime. And defense gave up three points in the second half and the offense made just enough plays.
It’s a great win on the road, it was hard-fought. A win like that has a lot of value.”
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