Lincoln’s recruiting scene trail has been a straight-up sprint in the last 48 hours. Five-star QB Trea Taylor’s visit? Total success, building serious momentum for 2027. Then, out of nowhere, even more five-star prospects jumped on the visit list, turning this weekend into a star-studded affair. And yeah, some big-time four-stars and potential future five-stars are also swinging by on Saturday and Sunday. Also, a new elite transfer just dropped into the portal, and the Huskers are already in the mix.
Matt Rhule’s squad has their eyes on a massive portal addition—a 240-pound beast ready to wreak havoc. On the March 28th episode of Wilson Dittman Sports‘ breakdown of Nebraska’s recruiting moves, Dittman dropped a transfer bombshell, putting a fresh name in the headlines: David Bailey. “The best player on Stanford’s roster in 2024 just entered the portal. Nebraska is expected to be interested,” Dittman revealed. As a dominant force coming off the edge, Bailey is the kind of player who can single-handedly change games. Snagging him would inject a whole new level of ferocity into the Huskers’ defense.
Standing tall at 6’3″ and weighing in at a solid 240 pounds, David Bailey was a constant headache for opposing offenses last season. His stat line speaks volumes: seven sacks and a jaw-dropping five forced fumbles—count them, five! One of the premier pass rushers in the nation, he earned the title of Stanford’s highest-graded player by PFF. With one year of eligibility remaining, he’s in the portal following Stanford’s head coaching change. And get this—Bailey isn’t just a one-trick pony; he’s a versatile weapon.
“He is a guy who could you put three technique, you could put him at jack, he’s going to get to the quarterback at a high level…he’s only 240 pounds. I would like him to play three technique and in order to be that you probably need to go up to 255-260, 265.” While maybe a tad light at 240 for a true three-technique, adding some bulk could make him a perfect fit for all aspects of the game: rushing the passer, stopping the run, and even dropping into coverage. Let’s be real, the Huskers have some talent up front, but what they’re truly missing is that elite disruptor, a game-wrecker who can consistently get to the quarterback when the pressure’s on—and that’s precisely what Bailey brings to the table.
NCAA, College League, USA Football 2024: Rutgers vs Nebraska OCT 05 October 05, 2024 Lincoln, NE. U.S. – Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola 15moves to avoid a Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive tackler in action during a NCAA Division 1 football game between Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, NE..Nebraska won 14-7.Attendance: 87,464.401st consecutive sellout.Michael Spomer/Cal Media/Sipa USA Credit Image: Michael Spomer/Cal Sport Media/Sipa USA Lincoln Memorial Stadium Nebraska United States of America
Nebraska’s defensive line has potential, no doubt. Riley Van Poppel, Cameron Lenhardt, Elijah Jeudy—there’s a lot to like. Maybe even Jaylen George will step up. But here’s the rub: they still lack that true, consistent pass rusher, the guy you trust to blow up a play on a crucial third down. And that’s the difference between a good defensive front and an elite one. Last season, Nebraska’s front was decent, but let’s be honest, ranking 40th in sacks per game isn’t exactly setting the world on fire, right? Running it back with the same formula likely won’t elevate their pass rush to that elite level. That’s precisely why landing a player with David Bailey’s skillset is an absolute must for the Huskers.
“This is one of Nebraska’s biggest needs in the portal,” Dittman emphatically stated, adding, “So, I’d expect them to be interested.” But Nebraska won’t be the only suitor; you can bet big-time programs will be lining up to call. A high-impact pass rusher like Bailey doesn’t stay on the market for long. “Let’s push around some money and see if we can get him here,” Dittman playfully added. So, according to Dittman, keep your eyes glued to David Bailey—a potential wrecking ball off the edge and exactly what the Huskers’ defense is craving.
While Bailey’s current 240-pound frame is being considered as a potential playing weight, a different kind of weight discussion has been swirling around Nebraska’s quarterback, Dylan Raiola. His listed weight has been a hot topic. Finally, Head Coach Matt Rhule stepped in to set the record straight, clarifying that while he mentioned Raiola “can’t be 240” to be an ideal quarterback, he never actually stated that Raiola currently weighed that much. “I felt really bad. I thought it was poor on some people’s part,” Rhule said. “If you went back and listened to what I said, I said, ‘He knows he can’t be 240.’ I didn’t say he was 240. Some people ran with that, and it’s unfortunate.” And now, Raiola himself is offering more clarity on the weight situation.
Dylan Raiola addresses offseason weight buzz
The true freshman who led Nebraska back to a bowl game, Dylan Raiola, has found himself in the middle of some body-talk buzz. At 6’3″ and around 230 pounds, some have questioned his agility, while others have made lighthearted comments online. Sure, he might not have ripped abs plastered across the internet, but he did just end Nebraska’s bowl drought, throwing for a solid 2,819 yards and 13 touchdowns. Yet, his weight became a surprisingly hot debate this offseason, but Raiola is now offering his perspective.
Raiola spoke candidly about the offseason grind during a March 27th press conference, saying, “If I’m being honest, it s–ks. I’m going to just be honest. Like, you know, it’s a constant grind every day.” He explained that the physical and mental transition took time and consistent effort. “Sometimes you don’t see change right away,” he admitted. “From a physical body standpoint, it doesn’t change in a day, a week, or even three.” But the key, he emphasized, is staying consistent and pushing through.
Throughout the process, he leaned on his support system. “I’m just grateful for our strength staff, our nutrition staff, and even my dad… It’s been a team effort,” the standout quarterback acknowledged. So, what did that team effort actually look like?
Dylan Raiola didn’t hold back when detailing his fitness regimen. “I boxed every day, 6 a.m. in the winter, then ran a mile right after lifting. Later in the day, I’d come back for 20 more minutes,” the Nebraska QB revealed. He even joked that his winter and spring breaks felt like a full-on boxing camp. However, one thing is for sure—it yielded results.
As of now, Raiola says he feels incredible, likely in the best shape of his life. He returned after spring break noticeably leaner, shedding nearly 9-10 pounds. So, all eyes will be on how this translates to his performance on the field this season.
The post Matt Rhule’s Nebraska Plots Big Transfer Portal Move for 240 Lbs Beast Amid Dylan Raiola’s Candid Response to Weight Concerns appeared first on EssentiallySports.
