Matt Rhule Reveals Impact Of Landing 5-Star Quarterback Dylan Raiola

For decades, the Nebraska Cornhuskers were one of the premier programs in college football. However, since Nebraska left the Big 12 and joined the Big Ten, the program has struggled to find the same success.

The Cornhuskers have not had a winning season since 2016, but it feels like head coach Matt Rhule can turn it around. Rhule went 5-7 in his first year, but the biggest win for the Cornhuskers was not on the field. It was in recruiting when Nebraska landed the No. 1 player in the 2024 class, quarterback Dylan Raiola.

Rhule appeared on The Joel Klatt Show to discuss Raiola's impact during his brief tenure as a Husker. Rhule said it started with his trust in the program.

"Dylan's talent is only matched by who he is as a person," Rhule said. "The great thing for us was, in recruiting, you know, that he came because he knew what the program was really like on the inside. That sends a message to everybody else in recruiting that, 'Hey, this is a good place.'"

Nebraska football coach Matt Rhule looks on during a 2023 game at Colorado. Ron Chenoy/USA TODAY Sports

Rhule said this should help with recruiting because it shows other players who are considering other places that Nebraska is a place they should trust. Rhule also believes it helps bring players from across the country who want to play with Raiola to Nebraska.

Rhule praised Raiola's "unique feel for the game" and noted that he is among the team's hardest workers. While Rhule doesn't want to name a starter, he acknowledged that Raiola will be a household name once he finally gets the nod.