Dylan Raiola Injury Update: Matt Rhule Confirms Surgery After Season-Ending Fibula Break

Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola will undergo season-ending surgery this week after suffering a broken fibula during the Cornhuskers’ loss to USC. Head coach Matt Rhule confirmed the news on Monday, offering the first detailed update on Raiola’s recovery plan and expected timeline.

The freshman signal-caller’s leg injury ends what had been a breakout season in Lincoln. Doctors have recommended surgery, with an estimated recovery period of eight to twelve weeks, giving Raiola a strong chance to return fully healthy for spring practice ahead of his junior campaign.

Dylan Raiola Injury Details and Recovery Plan

Rhule addressed the media Monday and shared that Raiola’s injury was more serious than initially hoped. “Dylan will have surgery this week,” Rhule said. “It was recommended surgery, so it’s not a ‘battle your way through it’ type of deal.”

The Nebraska medical staff confirmed that Raiola suffered a broken fibula on Saturday night when he was brought down during a third-quarter sack that also caused a fumble. While the team initially hoped it might be a minor sprain, subsequent imaging revealed the fracture, ending his 2025 season early.

At the time of the injury, Raiola had completed 10 of 15 passes (66.7%) for 91 yards and a touchdown. His season concludes with impressive numbers—72.4% completion rate, exactly 2,000 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Those stats underscore the freshman’s impact in helping Nebraska become bowl-contenders this year.

According to Rhule, Raiola has been active with the team even since the injury, attending practice and staying involved. However, he will not travel with the team for their upcoming matchup against UCLA. “He wants to go to UCLA, and I told him he can’t go,” Rhule said. “The most important thing for him right now is to get healed.”

What This Means for Nebraska’s Season

With Raiola sidelined, the Cornhuskers will turn to redshirt freshman TJ Lateef as their starting quarterback for the remainder of the season. Nebraska sits at 5–3 with four games left, and the focus now shifts to maintaining bowl eligibility without their offensive leader.

Raiola’s surgery and subsequent rehab will likely sideline him for the next two to three months, positioning him to rejoin team activities by spring 2026. Rhule emphasized that the program is committed to supporting Raiola through his recovery and expects him to return stronger next season.

Dylan Raiola’s season may have ended prematurely, but his future remains bright. With successful surgery and a full recovery, the Nebraska star is expected to reclaim his spot as one of the Big Ten’s top young quarterbacks by next spring.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What injury did Dylan Raiola suffer?

Dylan Raiola suffered a broken fibula during Nebraska’s loss to USC, requiring season-ending surgery.

Q2: When will Dylan Raiola have surgery?

Head coach Matt Rhule confirmed that Raiola will undergo surgery later this week.

Q3: What is Dylan Raiola’s recovery timeline?

Doctors estimate an eight to twelve-week recovery period, putting him on track to return by spring practice.

Q4: Who will replace Dylan Raiola as Nebraska’s quarterback?

Redshirt freshman TJ Lateef will take over as Nebraska’s starting quarterback for the rest of the season.

Q5: Will Dylan Raiola travel with the team to UCLA?

No. Matt Rhule confirmed that Raiola will stay in Lincoln to focus on his recovery after surgery.