Now that Dylan Raiola has officially moved on from Nebraska, the Huskers can finally turn the page on a high-profile quarterback experiment that never quite lived up to the billing. Whether the disconnect was on Raiola, the program, or a bit of both, the bottom line is this: it didn’t work. And with a gauntlet of a schedule looming-featuring the likes of Indiana, Oregon, Iowa, and Ohio State-Matt Rhule doesn’t have the luxury of lingering on what could’ve been.
Rhule is heading into a pivotal offseason in his fourth year at the helm, and Nebraska’s next steps will shape not only 2026, but the trajectory of the program under his leadership. Here are four key priorities the Huskers need to tackle in the post-Raiola era.
1. Reinforce the Quarterback Room
Let’s be clear: Nebraska doesn’t just need a quarterback-they need a quarterback room. Whether or not the Huskers go after another high-dollar signal-caller, they have to add depth and real competition.
Names like Brendan Sworsby or Sam Leavitt could be in play if Nebraska decides to open the checkbook again. But there are other intriguing options, too-guys like Zane Flores or Notre Dame’s Kenny Minchey, who could come in and push for the job.
Then there’s TJ Lateef, the former Elite 11 quarterback with a live arm and the kind of mobility that fits today’s college game. He’s raw, no doubt, and still developing physically-as most freshmen are-but the talent is there.
He got thrown into the fire against Iowa, and while the results weren’t pretty, it’s worth noting he was playing hurt. Facing that defense is tough enough on two healthy legs.
The bowl game would’ve been a great opportunity to see where Lateef stands after a month of practice reps, but with him limited in workouts, that evaluation window may close before it opens. Regardless, Nebraska can’t bank on just one guy.
They need at least two quarterbacks who can step in and win games. That’s the new standard in the transfer portal era.
2. Build the Trenches
With Raiola out, Nebraska likely freed up a significant chunk of NIL money. While we don’t know the exact figure, it’s safe to assume he was the highest-paid player on the roster.
Let’s say it’s somewhere around $4 million. That doesn’t all need to go toward another quarterback.
Even a top-tier portal QB like Sworsby, who made around $1 million last season, shouldn’t cost more than double that. And if the price tag climbs too high?
Walk away. There are other options.
The smarter play might be to invest that money where it can have the biggest impact-up front.
Nebraska needs to get better in the trenches. That means landing a difference-maker at defensive tackle and shoring up the offensive line, particularly at right tackle and guard.
Rhule has already said the Huskers need to add impact players from the portal, and he’s right. If this team wants to compete with the heavyweights on its 2026 schedule, it starts with winning at the line of scrimmage.
Find value at quarterback. Spend big where it matters most.
3. Prioritize Running Back
Quarterback might be the flashy headline, but running back should be the real focus. Nebraska needs a game-changer in the backfield. Isaiah Mozee and Mehki Nelson have potential, but they shouldn’t be handed the RB1 job without serious competition.
Emmett Johnson was the heart of the offense this past season. He was the most consistent and explosive playmaker on the field. After the year he had, you’d think other top backs would see Nebraska as a place where they can shine.
The Huskers should capitalize on that. Pair an elite running back with an improved offensive line and a quarterback-whether it’s Lateef or a transfer-who can manage the game and make plays when needed. That’s how you build an offense that can control tempo, stay on schedule, and take pressure off the passing game.
Whoever wins the quarterback job, the game gets a lot easier when you’ve got a stud running back behind you.
4. Add Impact Players-Period
Here’s the simplest truth: Nebraska needs more top-tier talent. In 2025, they had just one First-Team All-Big Ten selection.
That number needs to go up. Whether it’s through development or hitting on the right portal additions, the Huskers have to raise the ceiling of their roster.
Rhule’s system is built on toughness, discipline, and development-but even the best systems need stars. Nebraska doesn’t just need depth.
They need difference-makers. Guys who can flip a game with one play.
Guys who command attention from opposing coordinators.
If the Huskers want to make a real jump in the Big Ten, especially with a brutal schedule on deck, they need more All-Conference-caliber players. That’s the bar now.
The Raiola chapter is closed. It didn’t go as planned, but in today’s college football landscape, there’s no time to dwell. The transfer portal giveth and taketh-and now, Nebraska has a chance to reset, retool, and reload.
This offseason is about more than just replacing a name. It’s about building a roster that can win. And that starts with smart investments, better depth, and a renewed focus on the things that matter most: the trenches, the ground game, and finding real impact players who can help this team take the next step.
The clock’s ticking. Let’s see what Nebraska does with the opportunity.