A bowl finish in 2024 was not a bad start to his college career for Dylan Raiola. Head coach Matt Rhule also showcased that can get some wins on the record. However, the early momentum faded, and the Cornhuskers had some tough losses in the latter part of the year. Some of them really stung! Remember that loss to the eventual natty champions, Ohio State? If only Raiola could get some more first downs. Heading into 2025, Rhule knows what to fix. The offense could do with some help, especially in protecting the quarterbacks and some WR weapons. However, Rhule is set to lose one of those weapons.
In unsurprising news, 178-pound wide receiver Hardley Gilmore IV has officially entered the transfer portal, per reports from 247Sports’ Chris Hummer and Matt Zenitz. Gilmore, who transferred to Nebraska from Kentucky just this winter, was expected to compete for a bigger role in 2025. As a true freshman last season, he managed to haul in 6 catches for 153 yards and a touchdown. His average of over 25 yards per catch hinted at deep-threat potential—something Raiola could’ve really used heading into his first year as QB1 in Lincoln.
Matt Rhule probably didn’t plan to lose one of his speediest receivers during spring camp. At 6 feet and 178 pounds, Gilmore brought a combination of quickness and playmaking that Nebraska’s wide receiver corps can’t easily replace. The fact that he joined the team just a few months ago adds to the sting; Rhule barely had time to integrate him into the playbook before he was out the door.
Nebraska WR Hardley Gilmore has entered the transfer portal, @mzenitz and I have learned for @247Sports/@CBSSports.
Gilmore transferred to Nebraska from Kentucky this winter. Had 6 catches for 153 yards and a TD as a true freshman in 2024. https://t.co/AfqeiX2Hkb pic.twitter.com/hjOywHf0zi
— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) April 16, 2025
Why unsurprising, you may ask? Well, on April 6, it came out that Gilmore was dismissed from the team by head coach Matt Rhule. The Florida native joined the Huskers along with WR coach Daikiel Shorts Jr. and former Kentucky player Dana Key.
The dismissal from the team was especially surprising at the time because the coaching staff had praised Gilmore when he joined the program. When asked about the development, Coach Rhule didn’t disclose anything. “Nothing outside the program, nothing criminal or anything like that,” Matt Rhule said. That being said, Gilmore was involved in an incident in December. He was charged in Kentucky for violent behavior.
Matt Rhule’s QB room looks sorted for now
It’s undeniable that Dylan Raiola is the guy for the Huskers. The offense goes however far the QB1 takes them. However, just like any other position, a program’s roster strength lies in depth in any particular position. The same goes for the quarterback position. If spring practices are anything to go by, Matt Rhule may not have to worry about the QB position.
On the April 14 episode of Wilson Dittman Sports, Huskers’ insider Wilson Dittman talked about the number of reps the QBs are taking in the practices. Per reports, Dylan Raiola played around 30 reps in the Huskers’ scrimmage. What’s encouraging is that other QBs like Marcos Davila and Jalyn Gramstad also got some much-needed time under the center.
“God forbid Dylan Raiola goes down, I think we’re in a really decent spot—about as decent as you can be if your starting quarterback gets injured,” he said. “Feel really good about the quarterback room, even better after the scrimmage yesterday,” Dittman declared.
Davila had over 9,000 passing yards in his high school career, and Gramstad has been an NAIA national champion. Of course, Raiola has the reins of the offense, but the backups are great as well.
The post Tough Blow for Dylan Raiola & Co. as Matt Rhule Receives Upsetting 178-Lb Update for Nebraska appeared first on EssentiallySports.
