Nebraska offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen met with the media on Tuesday, offering a candid look at the Huskers' offensive development, the growth of quarterback Dylan Raiola, and what to expect as the team prepares for its upcoming bowl matchup against Utah.
On Dylan Raiola’s Development
Holgorsen didn’t shy away from reflecting on the highs and lows of Raiola’s first season in Lincoln. The freshman quarterback, one of the most highly touted recruits in recent memory, showed flashes of elite potential-but consistency was harder to come by, and Holgorsen took ownership of that.
“He’s a great player,” Holgorsen said. “There were times we were really headed in the right direction, and times we weren’t. That falls on me-not just from his perspective, but across the whole offense.”
One game in particular still lingers in Holgorsen’s mind: the matchup against USC. Raiola went down with an injury, and Holgorsen believes that moment altered the course of the season.
“If that wouldn’t have happened, I think we win that game,” he said. “And I think that gives us momentum. Who knows how the season ends if we get that one.”
It’s clear Holgorsen sees Raiola as a cornerstone talent, but also recognizes the importance of building a more consistent offensive unit around him. “All I do is think about where we’re at right now and what we gotta do to get better,” he added.
On New Offensive Line Coach Geep Wade
The Huskers’ staff has a fresh face in the trenches. Geep Wade, who joined the program after the 2025 regular season, brings experience from Georgia Tech and a reputation as a strong teacher of the game.
Holgorsen admitted he didn’t know Wade personally before the hire, but after digging into his track record-and hearing endorsements from head coach Matt Rhule and offensive assistant Marcus Satterfield-he was sold.
“His body of work at Georgia Tech was impressive,” Holgorsen said. “Coach Rhule and Satt both had history with him, and they signed off on him not just as a coach, but as a person.”
Holgorsen also recalled competing against Wade during his time at Marshall and came away impressed. “I just think he's a really good teacher,” he said.
“We’ve had a great week and a half working together. I think we’re going to work really well as a staff.”
On the Running Back Room Stepping Up
With several veterans taking limited reps in practice to rest and recover, Nebraska’s younger backs are getting extended work-and Holgorsen likes what he’s seeing.
“They’re excited, they’re practicing hard,” he said. “A lot of our older guys-Dane, Isaiah, Henry, Justin, Elijah, Luke, Heinrich-they’re getting their legs back under them. That’s giving the young backs a chance to shine.”
One name that came up with particular praise was Emmett Johnson, who’s coming off a strong season and earning postseason recognition.
“He was such a machine,” Holgorsen said. “He could take so many reps and do so many dang things.
I’m just proud of him and everything he’s accomplished. He deserves every bit of it.”
Now, the next wave is ready to take the baton. “These young guys have been practicing hard for a year, waiting for their opportunity,” Holgorsen said. “I’m fired up to see them go and see what the game looks like with them leading the way.”
On Facing Utah in the Bowl Game
Nebraska’s bowl opponent is no pushover. The Huskers will face a 10-2 Utah team led by longtime head coach Kyle Whittingham, who’s set to retire after the game. Holgorsen has plenty of respect for the Utes and their veteran leader.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Coach Whittingham,” he said. “Coached against him in a bowl game back in 2017. He’s always had a good product, always puts a good team on the field.”
And Holgorsen knows what kind of effort to expect from a Whittingham-coached team playing its final game under his leadership.
“This is his last game-what do you think they’re going to do? Probably play pretty good,” Holgorsen said. “They’re a good team, 10-2, and outside of those two losses to Texas Tech and BYU, they’ve been dominant.”
Holgorsen called Utah a program with great culture, strong players, and a Hall of Fame-caliber coach. “We’ll expect their best,” he said. “And we better be ready.”
As the Huskers gear up for a tough bowl test, Holgorsen’s message is clear: Nebraska has talent, but the next step is about cohesion, consistency, and capitalizing on opportunity. Whether it’s Raiola’s continued development, the emergence of young backs, or a new face guiding the offensive line, the foundation is being laid. Now it’s about building on it-one rep, one game, one moment at a time.