Nebraska reportedly fires Dylan Raiola's uncle as transfer portal rumors swirl

Jeff Hauser

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Nebraska reportedly fires Dylan Raiola's uncle as transfer portal rumors swirl image

Nebraska is expected to fire offensive line coach Donovan Raiola after three seasons on staff, On3's Pete Nakos reported Saturday. 

Raiola joined the Cornhuskers in 2022 and is the uncle of sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola, becomes the latest figure connected to the program’s high-profile quarterback to exit as transfer rumors continue to swirl.

The decision follows weeks of speculation about Dylan Raiola’s future amid a CBS Sports report suggesting “doubt” about his long-term outlook in Lincoln. Earlier in November, coach Matt Rhule pushed back on that notion, saying he had “no knowledge” of anything indicating the former five-star planned to leave.

“I love Dylan like I love all my guys,” Rhule said. “He’s in there doing treatment right now. So I don’t know about that.”

Donovan Raiola previously coached with the Chicago Bears from 2018-21 and was retained during Nebraska’s coaching transition before the 2023 season. His next move is unclear.

Meanwhile, Dylan Raiola remains focused on his recovery from a broken fibula suffered Nov. 1 against USC. Before the injury, he had thrown for 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns with six interceptions. Across 22 career games, he has totaled 4,819 yards and 31 touchdowns.

The Raiola family has been central to Nebraska’s recent recruiting efforts. Dylan, who starred at Buford (Georgia), originally committed to Georgia before flipping to Nebraska, where his father, Dominic, was an All-American center. 

His younger brother, 2026 quarterback Dayton Raiola, recently decommitted from the Cornhuskers, adding to the speculation surrounding the family’s future with the program. 

Despite the noise, Rhule has maintained that Dylan remains a key piece of Nebraska’s long-term plans as he eyes a 2026 return.

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