Nebraska OC Dana Holgorsen on Dylan Raiola's Departure: "It's the New Norm" in College Football
LINCOLN, Neb. - In a college football era where the transfer portal has become as much a part of the offseason as spring ball and recruiting visits, Nebraska is the latest program adjusting on the fly. Quarterback Dylan Raiola has entered the portal, and while that might have raised eyebrows a few years ago, offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen isn’t blinking.
“Just look at what’s going on across college football,” Holgorsen said. “How many quarterbacks have popped in the portal who were starting at their school - it’s the new norm.”
Holgorsen didn’t dive into the specifics of Raiola’s exit, choosing instead to focus on the positive moments they shared during their time together. And while fans might be searching for deeper meaning, Holgorsen made it clear he’s moving forward without dwelling on the past.
“I’m not going to speak on any of that,” he said. “I really loved working with Dylan. He’s a great kid and gave a lot to this place for two years.”
There’s no sugarcoating it - losing a quarterback with Raiola’s talent creates a ripple effect. But Holgorsen’s focus is firmly on the future, and that future involves reshaping an offense that, in his own words, still isn’t where it needs to be.
“At the end of the day, my job’s not done here,” Holgorsen said. “Coach Rhule hired me to come in and get us as good as we can on offense, and I don’t feel like we’re at that point right now.”
So what’s next for Nebraska under center? The Huskers have some internal options, including TJ Lateef, and they’re also keeping an eye on the portal for a potential addition. Holgorsen emphasized that it’s not about finding a carbon copy of Raiola - it’s about identifying the right fit and building the offense around that player’s strengths.
“The way I look at it is you get the best player you can,” Holgorsen explained. “We can mold our coaching around what that player does well and what his skill set is.”
That flexibility could bode well for someone like Lateef, who brings a different dimension to the quarterback room. Holgorsen noted the value of having a mobile quarterback - especially in today’s game - but also made it clear that mobility alone won’t cut it.
“I think TJ brings an element of mobility that’s refreshing and helpful,” Holgorsen said. “But you’ve also got to be able to sit in the pocket and make throws.”
It’s a pivotal moment for Nebraska’s offense, and Holgorsen knows it. With Raiola moving on, the Huskers are at a crossroads - and the decisions made in the coming weeks will shape not just next season, but potentially the trajectory of the program under Matt Rhule.
In this new era of college football, adaptability is the name of the game. Nebraska’s next quarterback might not be on campus yet. But whoever takes the reins, Holgorsen is ready to build around him - and get this offense where he believes it needs to be.