Dylan Raiola Injury Update: Nebraska QB Out for the Season After Broken Fibula vs USC

Star freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola suffered a season-ending injury during Nebraska’s loss to USC, dealing a crushing blow to Matt Rhule’s program. The standout passer sustained a broken fibula, and the team confirmed he will miss the rest of the 2025 college football season.

The news, first reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel, comes as a devastating setback for the Cornhuskers, who had high hopes for Raiola’s first campaign leading their offense. Nebraska’s promising start under Rhule now faces major uncertainty with their top offensive weapon sidelined.

Matt Rhule Confirms Dylan Raiola’s Season-Ending Injury

Raiola went down during the third quarter of Saturday’s matchup against the USC Trojans after a hard tackle near the sideline. He was helped off the field and later ruled out for the remainder of the contest. Head coach Matt Rhule addressed the media postgame, confirming that the injury was significant and required immediate medical evaluation.

“I just didn’t see the respectable thing to do to put a guy out there who can’t run,” Rhule said, emphasizing that he prioritized Raiola’s long-term health over short-term competitiveness. His decision came despite Raiola’s insistence that he was ready to re-enter the game.

According to reports, imaging later revealed a broken fibula, officially ending Raiola’s season. The freshman phenom had been one of college football’s most promising young quarterbacks, leading Nebraska to several statement wins earlier in the year while emerging as a future NFL prospect.

TJ Lateef Steps In as Nebraska’s New Starting Quarterback

With Raiola sidelined, true freshman TJ Lateef is expected to take over as the Cornhuskers’ starting quarterback for the rest of the season. Lateef replaced Raiola in the second half against USC and showed flashes of composure despite limited experience at the collegiate level.

Matt Rhule praised the young quarterback’s effort, stating that Lateef “handled the moment as best as you could ask for a freshman.” However, the transition will not be easy. Nebraska faces a challenging stretch of Big Ten matchups, including road games where experience under pressure will be critical.

Raiola’s injury not only derails Nebraska’s offensive rhythm but also raises questions about their postseason hopes. At 5–3, the Cornhuskers must regroup quickly if they want to remain in the College Football Playoff conversation. The coaching staff will likely simplify the offense to support Lateef as he adjusts to his new role.

Impact on Nebraska’s Season and Future Outlook

Raiola’s injury changes the trajectory of Nebraska’s season. The freshman quarterback had revitalized fan excitement with his arm strength, pocket presence, and leadership. Losing him now tests the depth and resilience of Rhule’s rebuilding project in Lincoln.

For Raiola, recovery from a broken fibula typically requires several months, meaning he should be ready for offseason workouts if rehabilitation progresses without setbacks. Nebraska’s medical team is expected to monitor his progress closely to ensure a full recovery ahead of spring camp.

Dylan Raiola’s injury update marks one of the most significant developments of the 2025 college football season, reshaping Nebraska’s offensive plans and testing the team’s adaptability as they push through the final stretch.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What injury did Dylan Raiola suffer?

Dylan Raiola sustained a broken fibula during Nebraska’s Week 9 loss to USC. The injury will sideline him for the rest of the season.

Q2: How long will Dylan Raiola be out?

He is expected to miss the remainder of the 2025 season but could return for spring practices in 2026 if recovery goes smoothly.

Q3: Who will replace Dylan Raiola as Nebraska’s starting QB?

True freshman TJ Lateef is expected to step in as the new starting quarterback for Nebraska.

Q4: What did Matt Rhule say about Raiola’s injury?

Rhule stated that he chose not to risk Raiola’s health, saying it wasn’t right to play him when he couldn’t run effectively.

Q5: How does Raiola’s injury affect Nebraska’s playoff hopes?

The loss of their starting quarterback significantly reduces Nebraska’s playoff chances, making their remaining games crucial for bowl eligibility.