Last year, Dylan Raiola exceeded all expectations for Nebraska. As a true freshman, he led the program to seven wins and helped Matt Rhule win the Bowl game. He did by notching up 2,819 yards for 13 touchdowns and looking to be the future of Nebraska. What will be his fate for 2025? 4,000+ yards? Heisman finalist, or leading the team to a 10-win season? Honestly, the sky is the limit for the QB, and the future looks bright with him at the helm. But what if that future comes sooner than expected?
Well, the transfer portal is a brutal reality in today’s college football world, but Dylan Raiola probably won’t enter the portal and likely will stay loyal to Nebraska for the near future. But if his trajectory continues, the guy would surely enter the NFL with his heroics sooner than expected. and then Matt Rhule would need to look for his replacement, right? Guess what? The head coach has already reigned in the commitment of a 2027 class’s highly touted QB, and the guy is already showing his loyalty to Matt Rhule and Nebraska.
Yes, we are talking about Trae Taylor, the four-star, highly rated QB, ranked 2nd nationally in his position for 2027. The hype and the demand for the guy were so much that 36 programs, including giants like Michigan and LSU, were after the player. However, Glenn Thomas’ recruitment was the difference in Nebraska, and Taylor finally landed in Lincoln. “Sitting down with Coach Thomas and getting into the offense, seeing how he coaches Dylan and how he can prepare me for the next level — I really just can’t wait,” Taylor said about his commitment. Now? The guy is showing his unwavering loyalty.
Taylor took to X and appealed to future football prospects to follow his philosophy when choosing a college. “Just a little advice for all going through this process. Take the logos off, love the school that loves you. @EIURB22 had a conversation with another dad of a top QB in my class. My dad was told hey ever since I committed, they have not heard a pep from @HuskerFootball. Feels great knowing I picked a school that is locked in with me as much as I am with them.” Well, Nebraska and Matt Rhule have been patient with the future superstar QB and have then reaped their reward. The product they got in return is phenomenal too.
Just a little advice for all going through this process. Take the logos off, love the school that loves you. @EIURB22 had a conversation with another dad of a top QB in my class. My dad was told hey ever since I committed, they have not heard a pep from @HuskerFootball. Feels… pic.twitter.com/vEUk6d917n
— Trae Taylor (@Qb6Trae) May 21, 2025
While Taylor still has his major portion of his high school career ahead of him, just last season he exceeded all expectations. Taylor notched up 3,061 yards with 20 touchdowns playing for Carmel Catholic High School, Mundelein, Illinois. Standing at 6’3″, Taylor could become a generational prodigy in the coming years as his high school career progresses, and can even generate the hype like Bryce Underwood. The hype is more pronounced due to him being the son of former Eastern Illinois running back J.R. Taylor.
Matt Rhule receives a big promise from Emmett Johnson
Last year, Nebraska’s rushing woes were visible as they ranked 92nd nationally with just 129.8 rushing yards per game. But all those woes seem to be changing with Emmett Johnson’s proclamation that will help Dylan Raiola, too. The guy looks determined to be the difference maker for the Cornhuskers’ 2025 season with his recent video.
Emmett shared an electrifying Instagram reel on his account, compiling the best moments of his 2024 season, and backed it up by saying. “Now I know you say, now I’m in the lead role or anything, but I’m still hungry, still trying to prove myself to be the best running back, I’m not going to be satisfied at all. I will never be satisfied.”
Last year, Emmett rushed for 598 yards and also received 286 yards, totaling 908 all-purpose yards. With this type of dual-threat ability, expectations become even more pronounced for the 2025 season. Standing at 6 feet and 200 lbs, Emmett is no doubt an All-American contender, having elite footwork along with top-notch agility. Now, with the addition of new OC Dana Holgorsen, the expectation is not just speculative; they’re beginning to take shape.
The post Matt Rhule’s 4-Star Dylan Raiola Replacement Breaks Silence on Loyalty After Nebraska HC Receives 908-YD Athlete’s Big Promise appeared first on EssentiallySports.
