The Nebraska Cornhuskers are once again in the thick of quarterback transition season, and this time, the search for their next signal-caller has taken an intriguing turn.
With Dylan Raiola officially on his way out, the door is wide open in Lincoln - and Michigan State transfer Aidan Chiles is a name quickly gaining traction. While nothing is set in stone, and head coach Matt Rhule hasn’t named any specific targets, the message is clear: Nebraska is actively hunting for the right fit under center.
“We’re really grateful for all [Raiola] did,” Rhule told reporters, addressing the quarterback’s departure. “If he needs a fresh start, I’ll pray that he finds the right place and has a lot of success. With that being said, there are a lot of great quarterbacks out there, and a lot of them want to play at Nebraska.”
That last line? It wasn’t just coach speak.
It was a signal. Nebraska isn’t just reacting - they’re recalibrating with purpose.
According to reports, Chiles is firmly on Nebraska’s radar. The former Spartan, who entered the portal after a season that showed flashes of his high ceiling, is reportedly being courted by both Cincinnati and Nebraska. And while he’s not the only name in the mix, he may be one of the most intriguing.
Chiles brings a dynamic skill set - strong arm, mobility, and a poise that belies his age. For a Nebraska team that’s still trying to find its identity on offense, he could offer a major step forward.
But Rhule and his staff aren’t rushing into anything. The quarterback carousel in the portal is spinning fast, and Nebraska is taking a wide-angle view.
Per sources, the Cornhuskers are evaluating the full landscape of available quarterbacks. That includes potential interest in Boston College’s Dylan Lonergan and Notre Dame’s Kenny Minchey, among others. It’s clear Rhule wants to turn over every stone before making a move - and given the importance of this decision for the program’s trajectory, that’s the right call.
This isn’t just about plugging a hole left by Raiola. It’s about finding the right leader to take Nebraska into the next chapter. Whether that’s Chiles or another portal passer, the Huskers are positioning themselves to make a calculated, high-upside move.
The early stages of this process are unfolding, but one thing is certain: Nebraska is in the market, and they’re not settling.