One of Nebraska’s biggest priorities in spring practice is making sure Dylan Raiola has everything he needs to thrive in his sophomore season.
His true freshman year was filled with highs and lows, but the flashes of brilliance were undeniable. The fact that he started an entire season in the Big Ten as a true freshman speaks volumes about his talent. Still, there were moments when Nebraska could have done more to support him—whether that was with better protection, more reliable targets, or a more aggressive offensive approach.
Head coach Matt Rhule and new offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen are determined to change that in 2025. Their goal is to not only develop Raiola into a star quarterback but also to ensure he has the right pieces around him to maximize his potential. One of those pieces is senior wide receiver Dane Key.
Key’s story is similar to Raiola’s in some ways. He arrived at Kentucky in 2022 and immediately made an impact, racking up 519 yards and six touchdowns as a true freshman. That kind of production so early in his career set sky-high expectations…